Hollywood's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Hollywood, Florida, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Permit Requirements

All fence installation, replacement, or major repair in Hollywood FL requires a permit from the Building Division. Applications require a fence submittal checklist, site plan, and compliance with Section 155.12. Materials, height, and location must be approved before construction begins.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — for all fence work. Checklist: Fence Submittal Checklist required. Site Plan: Required with application. Zoning Review: Materials/height by district. Contact: Building Division 954-921-3335.

Unpermitted fence construction is a code violation. Fences installed without permits may be required to be removed or modified to comply with code.

Pool Barriers

Pool barriers in Hollywood FL must be at least 48 inches high per Florida Statutes Chapter 515 and Florida Building Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade on the pool side. The barrier must fully enclose the pool. A separate barrier permit is required.

Key details: Minimum Height: 48 inches. Gate Type: Self-closing, self-latching. Latch Height: 54 inches (pool side). Permit: Separate barrier permit required. Inspection: Required before pool can be filled.

Pools without compliant barriers face serious penalties including orders to drain the pool, fines, and code enforcement liens.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hollywood actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

Height Limits

Hollywood Code §155.12 governs fences. In residential areas, no specific maximum fence height applies outside of the corner setback area (2 ft max, or 4 ft if City Engineer approves). Corner setbacks are delineated by a line connecting points 25 ft along property lines from street intersections. Building permit required for all fence installation/replacement.

Key details: Code: Hollywood Code §155.12. Residential Height: No maximum outside corner setback areas. Corner Setback: 2 ft max (4 ft with City Engineer approval). View Triangle: Clear 30–72 inches above ground. Permit: Required for all fence installation/replacement.

Fences exceeding height limits or using prohibited materials in restricted districts result in Code Enforcement citations.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Hollywood FL fence regulations under Section 155.12 address shared boundary fences. Height may be adjusted up to two feet with consent from abutting neighbors for fences behind the build-to-line. Corner setback areas limit fence height to 2 feet, or 4 feet if the City Engineer confirms no visual barrier. Fences cannot extend into the front yard beyond the approved height.

Key details: Height Extension: Up to 2 feet with neighbor consent. Corner Setback: 2 feet (4 feet with engineer approval). Front Yard: Cannot extend higher than allowed. Survey: Recommended before installation. Governing Code: §155.12.

Fences exceeding height limits without neighbor consent are code violations. Fences in the corner setback obstructing visibility may be ordered reduced in height.

Material Restrictions

Hollywood FL restricts fence materials by zoning district under Section 155.12. Chain link is prohibited in RAC zones entirely and in front yard setbacks in TOC and Historic Districts. PVC is prohibited in front yard setbacks of Historic Districts. All fence installation requires a permit from the Building Division.

Key details: Chain Link in RAC: Prohibited entirely. Chain Link in TOC: Prohibited in front yard. PVC in Historic: Prohibited in front yard. Barbed/Razor Wire: Prohibited in residential. Permit Required: Yes — Building Division.

Installing prohibited materials is a code violation requiring removal or replacement at the owner's expense. Unpermitted fences face enforcement action.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls in Hollywood FL require building permits. Walls over 4 feet require engineering plans by a licensed Professional Engineer. All retaining walls must comply with Florida Building Code structural requirements and zoning setbacks. Drainage must be addressed to prevent water damage to neighboring properties.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes. Engineering: Required for walls >4 feet. Drainage: Must address water flow. Setbacks: Per zoning district. Contact: Building Division 954-921-3335.

Building a retaining wall without a permit is a code violation. Non-compliant walls may be required to be removed or reconstructed.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Hollywood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Hollywood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.