Margate, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 40.702(A)(1) of the Margate Land Development Code lists the permitted fence and wall materials: aluminum, chain link, concrete block covered with stucco or pre-cast concrete, molded polyethylene composite, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), weatherproofed wood, or another material the Development Services Director deems similar. Barbed, razor or similar type wire, broken glass, plywood and sheet metal are prohibited outright.

Chain link has its own limit. It and similar-style fences are not permitted in the Corridor, Gateway and City Center zoning districts, except on a temporary basis to secure an active construction site. Any property with a mixed use, horizontal or vertical, follows the nonresidential standards.

Construction details matter too. Every fence has the finished side facing outside the property, except for interior fences abutting a property where an existing fence or wall prevents installation that way. Fences must be kept in good repair, free of breaks, discolorations and graffiti, and wood fences need weatherproofing applied. Gates have to operate entirely on the owner's property unless an easement allows otherwise, and gates are prohibited from swinging over any right-of-way.

When a fence is proposed inside a recorded utility easement, the owner provides a notarized affidavit acknowledging that the utility will not repair or replace it and that removal is at the owner's expense. In a drainage, canal or lake maintenance easement, written permission from the easement holder is required. Subdivision or common development walls have to be uniform in design, material, pattern and color, and a perimeter fence of a newly developed project sits at least five feet back from an adjacent right-of-way. In the listed existing subdivisions, only white PVC privacy fencing is allowed along side and rear lot lines.