What You Need to Know About Fence Permits in Pensacola

Installing a new fence on your Pensacola property? Before you start digging post holes, you may need to pick up a permit first. Even for small residential fencing projects, there are certain regulations residents need to follow, and the specific rules and regulations regarding fences can change from location to location in the Pensacola area. While a fencing professional can help ensure that you pick up all the necessary documentation for your fencing job, here's the basic 411 on what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid fines or delays.

Do You Need a Fence Permit in Pensacola?

Yes, most fencing projects within the City of Pensacola require a permit. Whether you're installing a small, chic decorative fence or tall, opaque privacy fencing, the city's Land Development Code outlines specific rules for height, location, and materials.

Here are some basic guidelines:

• Front yard fences: Cannot exceed 3 feet tall for opaque materials, or 4 feet tall for transparent materials that do not block light, air, or visibility
• Back and side yard fences: Can go up to 8 feet high for both transparent and opaque materials
• Corner lots: May have stricter rules due to visibility triangles at intersections.

The City of Pensacola issues permits for fencing to ensure it meets zoning requirements. Fence permits are $35. Along with your application, you will need to produce a site plan showing where the fence is going to be in relation to the property lines, as well as the height of the fence you intend to build. To contact the City of Pensacola's Planning Division (and to verify if you will need any other documentation to proceed), you can call them at 850-595-3475 or email them at zoninginfo@myescambia.com.

For Unincorporated Communities in Escambia County

As an addendum, if you live in an unincorporated community within Escambia County, you do not need to obtain a building permit for a fence. However, you will still need to obtain land use approval from the Development Services Department. They may be reached at 850-595-3475 as well.

Special Rules for Pensacola Beach Properties

If your property is on Pensacola Beach, it falls under the jurisdiction of Escambia County and the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA). Fence regulations are often more restrictive here due to environmental concerns, beach access, and aesthetic standards.

Key considerations for Pensacola Beach fencing:

• Height restrictions: Up to three feet for front yards, up to six feet for side and back yards.
• Material limitations: Certain materials, like barbed wire or opaque privacy fencing, may be prohibited.
• SRIA approval: In addition to a county permit, you may need approval from the SRIA Design Review Board for beachfront or prominent locations.

Check with Escambia County's Building Inspections Division and the SRIA before starting any fencing project on Pensacola Beach.

What About Santa Rosa County?

But what if you live in Navarre Beach, or Milton, or even an unincorporated community within Santa Rosa County? The exact rules regarding fences and permitting vary a lot depending on where you live, even within the county. Luckily, there are resources you can use to get answers specific to your location:

• For unincorporated communities: No permits are needed for properties in unincorporated areas, as per the Santa Rosa County Website.
• For residential zoning districts not within the city limits of Gulf Breeze, Milton, or Jay: See the Santa Rosa County Website for regulations and details. Note that additional restrictions apply on Navarre Beach and within the Bagdad Historic Zoning District.
• Gulf Breeze: Fences require a permit, and there are certain rules and regulations that restrict their height and placement. For further information, call the City of Gulf Breeze at 850-934-5100. The fence application form can be found here.
• Milton: Permits are required. Contact the City of Milton at 850-983-5400 for further details. The fence application form can be found here.
• Jay: Contact the Town of Jay at 850-675-4556 or by email at townclerk@townofjay.org.

Get Peace of Mind With The Pros

Please note that while this is a basic run-down of certain area guidelines regarding fencing projects, this guide shouldn't be taken as the end-all, be-all. Regulations change, sometimes there are exceptions to certain rules for certain projects, your neighborhood HOA may have its own set of regulations, etc. If you want to be 100% that you've gotten all the proper documentation for your project, it's best to obtain some professional help. That's where we come in.

As a team of proud Pensacola fencing professionals, Gulf Built Fence & Solutions is committed to achieving complete customer satisfaction on every project - and that means making sure our customers don't have to worry about fines or legal red tape. We will meet with you to do a free on-site consultation for your intended fencing project, after which we will go over the regulations and figure out all the documentation we need to get approved before we can proceed. No matter how big or complex the project may be, our committed professionals are determined to make it a seamless success.

Gulf Built Fence & Solutions is proud to be Pensacola's premier provider of custom-made privacy fencing, decorative fencing, and more. Schedule a free consultation with us today at 850-982-6898.