Height Limits: Cape Coral vs Fort Myers
How do height limits rules compare between Cape Coral, FL and Fort Myers, FL?
Cape Coral and Fort Myers have similar restriction levels.
Cape Coral, FL
Lee County
Cape Coral Land Development Code Section 5.2.7 limits residential fences in the front setback, allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and requires open mesh above 3 feet within 20 feet of a rear waterfront property line.
View full Cape Coral rules →Fort Myers, FL
Lee County
Under Fort Myers Land Development Code Section 118.3.8, residential rear- and side-yard fences may be a maximum of 6 feet measured from average ground level, and commercial/industrial fences a maximum of 10 feet. Solid fences must sit at least 20 feet back from any right-of-way property line in the front yard. Picket fences in the front yard may be 4 feet tall with a 50% uniform void, or 6 feet tall with a 75% uniform void.
View full Fort Myers rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cape Coral | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LDC §5.2.7 | - |
| Side/Rear Max | 6 feet | - |
| Front Setback | No fence permitted | - |
| Waterfront Rule | Open mesh above 3 ft within 20 ft of rear | - |
| Residential Max Height (Rear/Side) | - | 6 feet from average ground level (Sec. 118.3.8) |
| Commercial/Industrial Max | - | 10 feet |
| Front-Yard Solid Fence Setback | - | 20 feet from right-of-way property line |
| Front-Yard Picket (4 ft) | - | 50% uniform void minimum |
| Front-Yard Picket (6 ft) | - | 75% uniform void minimum |
| Visibility Triangle | - | 70% open between 2 ft and 9 ft above grade |
| Code Authority | - | Planning Division / Code Enforcement, 1825 Hendry St., Suite 101 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cape Coral FAQ
How tall can a backyard fence be in Cape Coral?
Side and rear yard residential fences are generally limited to six feet under LDC §5.2.7. Up to eight feet is allowed where the residential lot abuts a commercial or professional use.
Are there special rules for canal-front lots?
Yes. Fencing within 20 feet of the rear property line on a waterfront lot must be open mesh above a height of three feet, preserving view corridors along the canal.
Fort Myers FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Fort Myers?
Up to 6 feet measured from average ground level for any construction type in the rear or side yard, per Section 118.3.8. Chain-link and picket fences are also capped at 6 feet; picket fences must have at least a 75% uniform void when viewed perpendicular.
Can I put a solid 6-foot fence along my front property line?
No. Section 118.3.8 requires solid fences in the front yard to sit at least 20 feet back from any property line adjacent to a right-of-way. Within that 20-foot setback only an open picket fence is allowed (4 ft with 50% void or 6 ft with 75% void).
Do corner-lot side yards count as front yards?
Yes. The Fort Myers Planning Division Guidelines state that on corner lots, all street frontages shall be considered front yards, which means the 20-foot setback and picket-void rules apply on both street sides.
Compare other topics
See how Cape Coral and Fort Myers compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool