Sarasota Zoning Code Sec. VII-1101 (Article VII Division 11 - Fences, Walls and Hedges) allows fences and walls up to 6.5 feet in height in front, rear, and side setbacks in all zone districts, with limited exceptions. Open mesh or chain-link fences may reach 10 feet in G, IGD, IHD, CI, I, and ILW industrial/commercial zone districts.
Sec. VII-1101 establishes the general 6.5-foot maximum across all zone districts in front, rear, and side setbacks. Ornamental decorations and light fixtures may add up to 18 inches above the 6.5-foot cap. In the Downtown Neighborhood (DTN) zone, fences and hedges at the first layer of a lot (front yard / streetside) are capped at 4 feet, while fences/walls at other layers may reach 6.5 feet. Industrial/commercial chain-link can reach 10 feet. Pool barriers under F.S. Ch. 515 must still meet the minimum 48-inch standard regardless of fence rules. Fence height is measured from grade including posts, rails, and embellishments.
Building a fence above the height limit is a Zoning Code violation handled through Code Compliance - up to $500 per offense under Sec. 1-11 with Special Master daily fines up to $1,000/day for repeat violations under F.S. §162.09. The City can require modification or removal at owner expense.
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