Pembroke Pines's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Pembroke Pines, 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.

Retaining Walls

Pembroke Pines regulates retaining walls under the Land Development Code and Building Code. Retaining walls altering grade require building permits. Walls exceeding 4 feet in height require engineered plans. Retaining walls must comply with setback requirements and cannot cause drainage problems for adjacent properties. The 2023 Florida Building Code with Broward HVHZ provisions applies.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes, building permit. Engineering Plans: Required over 4 ft height. Drainage: Cannot flood neighbors. Building Code: 2023 FBC + Broward HVHZ. Fence on Wall: Height measured from wall top.

Unpermitted retaining walls are code violations. Walls causing drainage damage may result in enforcement action.

Permit Requirements

Pembroke Pines requires building permits for all fence installations. Applications are available through the Building Division at City Hall or online.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — for all fences. Application: Online or at Building Division. Site Plan: Required with application. Inspection: Required after installation. Building Division: 954-435-6502.

Installing a fence without a permit results in stop work orders, citations, and requirements for retroactive permitting with additional fees.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Pembroke Pines actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Florida does not require neighbors to share fence costs by statute. In Pembroke Pines, the builder pays unless neighbors agree otherwise. HOA rules may govern shared fences.

Key details: Cost Sharing: No statutory requirement. Builder Pays: Unless agreed otherwise. HOA Rules: May govern shared boundaries. Disputes: Civil matter — survey recommended.

Private fence disputes are civil matters. The city enforces code compliance for height, permits, and materials only.

Pembroke Pines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Material Restrictions

Pembroke Pines regulates fence materials under LDC Section 155.655 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges). Front yard fences in the R-MH district must be decorative aluminum or wood and no more than 50% opaque. Fences and walls must comply with Section 150.55 when applicable. Chain link fences require specific design standards per the city's fence permit application checklist.

Key details: Front Yard (R-MH): Aluminum or wood, 50% max opaque. Permit Required: Yes, all fences. Governing Code: LDC §155.655, §150.55. Chain Link: Specific design standards apply. Maintenance: Must be in good condition.

Non-compliant fence materials are a code violation. Fences built without permits are subject to enforcement action and fines.

Pool Barriers

Pembroke Pines requires pool safety barriers under Sections 150.50–150.52 of the Code of Ordinances and FL Statute 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching lockable gates. No pool permit is issued without a simultaneous barrier permit. Barriers must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge.

Key details: Min Height: 48 inches (4 feet). Gate: Self-closing, self-latching, lockable. Water Setback: 20 inches minimum. Permit: Required with pool permit. State Law: FL Statute 515.

Failure to maintain a pool barrier is a serious safety violation. Fines and enforcement under FL Statute 515 and local code.

Compared to other cities, Pembroke Pines takes a harder line on pool barriers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Height Limits

Pembroke Pines regulates fence heights under §155.655. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet. Permits are required for fence installation.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 feet maximum. Side/Rear Yard: 6 feet maximum. Permit Required: Yes — for all fence installations. Code Section: §155.655.

Non-compliant fences must be modified or removed. Building without a permit results in citations and requirements for retroactive permitting.

The Bottom Line

Pembroke Pines is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pembroke Pines, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Pembroke Pines 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.