Fences and Gates

Is a permit required to repair or replace my fence?

Yes, a permit is required to repair or replace your fence. A building permit is required for wood and concrete fences. They are also required for chain-link fences on commercial properties or chain-link fences utilized as a pool safety barrier on residential properties.

All other chain-link (residential non-pool barrier), picket, iron or other non-wind-resistant fences require a zoning improvement permit (ZIP).

Do I need a licensed contractor to repair or replace my fence?

Licensed contractors or owners acting as owner-builders may obtain a permit. Contractors must be licensed by Miami-Dade County or the State of Florida to perform fencing work. An owner-builder may obtain a fence permit and will be required to sign a form acknowledging their responsibilities as an owner-builder.

What am I required to submit to obtain a fence permit?

• A permit application form (building or zoning improvement permit (ZIP), depending on fence type) with required notarized signatures must be submitted. The property owner and licensed contractor’s signatures are required (for owner-builders only property owner signature is required along with an Owner-Builder Disclosure Statement). Check below for your fence/gate type for documents to be submitted.
• Proof of ownership such as warranty deed, closing statement or tax receipt (if applying as owner-builder or if the owner does not appear in public records).
• Addendum to Fence Permit Application form completed and signed by both the property owner and contractor (property owner only for owner-builder permits). If the fence is in a utility easement area, contact the Sunshine Network at 1-800-432-4770 to obtain a Ticket Number authorizing placement of the fence. You must allow four working days after the call before submitting the permit application. Ticket Number must be included in the above-mentioned Fence Addendum form.
• For properties with a Homeowner’s Association such as a condominium or townhouse, a letter of from the association approving the fence installation is required.
• Site plan or land survey indicating where the fence will be located on the property and including length, height, and distance to property line. If you do not have a copy of your site plan or survey, check the options below:
  • If you recently bought your property, check if you received a survey with your closing documents.
  • You may also visit the Microfilm & Plan Library or call 786-315-2340 to verify if there is any survey on records.
  • You will need to hire a surveyor to produce a new survey of your property.
• A Miami-Dade County standard details fence form (wood, open metal, chain-link, or masonry) or fence drawings signed and sealed by a design professional showing foundation, structural members, connections and calculations required. Check below for your fence/gate type for documents to be submitted.

How much does a fence permit cost?

Check our Building Fee Schedule to verify the minimum fee based upon linear footage and the type of fence being constructed. You may complete payments at Pay Fees Now.

How long does it take to obtain a fence permit?

Typically, fence permits are issued within 1-2 business days if all required information is correct and according to Code. If corrections are needed, “Reworks” review may take between 1-2 business days once corrections are submitted.

Where do I apply for a fence permit and find all required forms?

Submit your application along with required documents through the Portal (GoldKey). Check below for your fence/gate type and related documents to be submitted. Find forms, applications, checklists and guidelines for permitting, plan review, inspections, and more by visiting All Forms.

For more information, check How to Apply for a Permit and/or Homeowner’s General Permit information.

Before securing the services of a contractor, you are encouraged to call the Miami-Dade County Contractor Licensing Section at 786-315-2880 or ensure the contractor is licensed, insured and does not have complaints and/or violations on record. State Licensed Contractors can be verified by contacting the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at 850-487-1395.

What do I need to know before installing a fence/gate?

• Fences/gates in front of the building line (front of the property) may be no taller than six feet max height and no chain link is allowed. In certain instances, the height may be limited to 2.5 feet for visibility at intersections and within 10 feet of either side of driveway.
• No structure, fence or tree may be placed in an easement without the written consent of all utility companies that have the right to access an easement. An easement grants access to private property for utility installation and maintenance. Check your land survey to determine all potential easements located on your property.
• The finished side of the fence shall be facing the neighboring property or street (outward). Utilize the Affidavit to Waive the Finished Side of Fence, if applicable.
• For concrete wall fences, both sides of wall must be finished with stucco and paint.
• Permits for a combination of fences (private and non-private) require a building permit application (yellow form).
• Non-wind resistant fences (picket, open fences) being installed as a pool barrier require a building permit application (yellow form).

Need additional assistance?

For more assistance, email the Permitting and Inspection Center at [email protected] or call 786-315-2100.

The following items are required for new and replacement privacy wooden fences and/or gates. All four items are required; incomplete and illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.

Note: there is an additional form required if you apply as an Owner-Builder.

• A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
  • Category 18 (residential or commercial)
  • Total linear feet (including gates) of fence being installed
  • A completed Contact Sheet

• Choose from the following detail options for your submittal:
  • Standard Vertical Wooden Fences Details
  • Standard Horizontal Wooden Fences Details
  • Custom: Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the wood fence/gate design. Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer).

• Land survey or site plan providing the location of the fence by using “X’s” to indicate where the fence and/or gates will be installed. The survey must reflect the current layout of your property.

• A completed Addendum to Fence Permit Application for those fences that are encroaching the utility easement. This form absolves Miami-Dade County of all legal responsibilities for any claim, loss, damage or expense which may arise because of the placement of a fence under or in the utility easement area.

The following items are required for new and replacement non-privacy open metal fences and/or gates, as in picket, open aluminum, iron and open wood. These can be classified as non-wind resistant fences. All four items are required; incomplete and illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.

Note: there is an additional form required if you apply as an Owner-Builder.

• A completed Zoning Improvement Permit Application (ZIP) (green form):
  • Category 11 (residential or commercial). NOTE: fences with concrete columns require BLDG 18 permit
  • Total linear feet (including gates) of fence being installed
  • A completed Contact Sheet
    
    
• Choose from the following detail options for your submittal:
  • Standard Open Aluminum/Metal Fence Guidelines
  • Custom: Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the open fence/gate design.

• Land survey or site plan providing the location of the fence by using “X’s” to indicate where the fence and/or gates will be installed. The survey must reflect the current layout of your property.

• A completed Addendum to Fence Permit Application for those fences that are encroaching the utility easement. This form absolves Miami-Dade County of all legal responsibilities for any claim, loss, damage or expense which may arise because of the placement of a fence under or in the utility easement area.

The following items are required for new and replacement chain link fences or gates. All four items are required; incomplete and illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.

Note: there is an additional form required if you apply as an Owner-Builder.

Chain link fences are not allowed on the front building line of a property, with exceptions granted to properties in agricultural districts and to temporarily secure unsafe structures.

Check the Interactive Land Management Geographic Information System (GIS) map to determine your Zoning District requirements.

• A completed permit application:
  • Residential: Zoning Improvement Permit Application (ZIP) (green form), category 10
  • Commercial: Building Permit Application (yellow form), category 18
  • Total linear feet (including gates) of fence being installed
  • A completed Contact Sheet

• Choose from the following detail options for your submittal:
  • Standard Chain Link Fence Guidelines
  • Custom: Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the open fence/gate design.

• Land survey or site plan providing the location of the fence by using “X’s” to indicate where the fence and/or gates will be installed. The survey must reflect the current layout of your property.

• A completed Addendum to Fence Permit Application for those fences that are encroaching the utility easement. This form absolves Miami-Dade County of all legal responsibilities for any claim, loss, damage or expense which may arise because of the placement of a fence under or in the utility easement area.

The following items are required for new and replacement masonry fences and gates, as in brick, stone and concrete block. For fences with concrete columns a Building Application category 18 is required. All four items are required; incomplete and illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.

Note: there is an additional form required if you apply as an Owner-Builder.

• A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
  • Category 18 (residential or commercial)
  • Total linear feet (including gates) of fence being installed
  • A completed Contact Sheet

• Choose from the following detail options for your submittal:
  • Masonry (Concrete) Fence Permit Guidelines (5-foot and 6-foot)
  • Standard Masonry (Concrete) Pier or Column
  • Custom: Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the fence/gate design.

• Land survey or site plan providing the location of the fence by using “X’s” to indicate where the fence and/or gates will be installed. The survey must reflect the current layout of your property.

• A completed Addendum to Fence Permit Application for those fences that are encroaching the utility easement. This form absolves Miami-Dade County of all legal responsibilities for any claim, loss, damage or expense which may arise because of the placement of a fence under or in the utility easement area.

The following items are required for new and replacement aluminum, PVC, vinyl fences and gates. All four items are required; incomplete and illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.

Note: there is an additional form required if you apply as an Owner-Builder.

• A completed Building Permit Application (yellow form):
  • Category 18 (residential or commercial)
  • Total linear feet (including gates) of fence being installed
  • A completed Contact Sheet

• Choose from the following detail options for your submittal:
  • The current Notice of Acceptance (NOA) of each fence used. You may search the Product Approval database for approval numbers, products, certificates and listings that have been approved for use on buildings in both Miami-Dade County and throughout the country. Florida Building Commission product approvals are acceptable
  • Provide your own custom details drawing(s) of the fence/gate design. Drawing(s) must be signed and sealed by a design professional (architect or engineer).

• Land survey or site plan providing the location of the fence by using “X’s” to indicate where the fence and/or gates will be installed. The survey must reflect the current layout of your property.

• A completed Addendum to Fence Permit Application for those fences that are encroaching the utility easement. This form absolves Miami-Dade County of all legal responsibilities for any claim, loss, damage or expense which may arise because of the placement of a fence under or in the utility easement area.

Affidavit to Waive the Finished Side of Fence
A fence with a finished and unfinished side must be erected so that the unfinished side and supporting members face inward toward the interior of the property. Furthermore, all fences must have the finished side facing the neighboring property or street (outward).

Affidavit to Extend Height for Fences, Wall or Hedge
In all districts, the maximum height of walls, fences and hedges located behind the build-to-line may be adjusted up to two feet, provided that an affidavit is submitted indicating consent from the owner of the property that directly abuts the property boundary where the fence is to be located.

An affidavit to extend the fence two feet requires a notarized signature from the abutting neighbors to the interior sides and rear. The fence cannot be extended in the front yard.