Jacksonville Beach, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 34-722 opens with the approval rule: all fences are required to receive approval by the planning and development department and submit for a building permit. Subsection (a)(1) then sets the materials for residential zoning districts. All fences in those districts must be constructed such as pressure treated wood, composite wood, PVC wood, metal, or masonry, and barbed wire and chainlink fences are not permitted.

The material list narrows for taller fences. A side or rear yard fence built to the eight-foot limit under the height subsection must be pressure treated wood, composite wood, PVC wood, or masonry, so metal drops off the list at that height. The same subsection states that in no case shall fences constructed of chainlink wire fabric be permitted to exceed six feet in height, and any portion above six feet must be lattice or slats.

Commercial fences follow a different material rule in subsection (b)(1). They are constructed of wood, masonry, chain link wire or other materials approved by the planning and development department. Barbed wire is not permitted in residential zoning districts. Where barbed wire is permitted it is located at the top of the fence, at not less than six feet in height, and if it is installed so that it inclines outward, no portion can encroach into an adjacent property.

Security fences carry narrow exceptions. An eight-foot high security fence can be installed in the front, side and rear yard of any government use or essential public service facility in any zone, provided clear sight distance under sections 34-720 and 34-745(g) is maintained, and any barbed wire is placed at the top of the fence. A six-foot high non-opaque chainlink fence can be installed for security in the front yard of any lot adjacent to vacant parcels, and as a condition of the permit it must be removed after the block or tract is seventy-five percent developed.

The planning and development department approves the material choice at permit stage, so a homeowner should confirm the product against subsection (a)(1) before applying.