Melbourne, FL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 47(a) prohibits barbed wire, concertina wire, razor wire and similar fencing anywhere in the city, except that barbed wire may top a fence or wall in the M-1 or M-2 industrial districts when it serves an industrial utility use. Sec. 47(b) flatly prohibits electrically charged fences with no exception. Sec. 47(c) reaches further, banning any other fence type designed to potentially inflict bodily injury, built of corrodible material, or that otherwise fails to meet the intent or standards of the article. Sec. 47(d) separately prohibits fencing off a public utility, right-of-way, refuse collection area or drainage easement (including sewer, water, gas, cable and electric utility easements) unless the property owner provides adequate access so a utility line never has to be cut through the fence or a wall removed to reach it; if access must later be created, the property owner bears the relocation cost for both fencing and landscaping.

Approved materials under Sec. 45(a) are limited to 11-gauge-minimum chain link, wood, vinyl, concrete, masonry, brick or ornamental iron, and screening-required fences must be termite-resistant wood, vinyl, brick, concrete or masonry, opaque, and at least six feet tall. A building permit under Sec. 48 is required before any fence is installed, and plans must specify height, location and material under Sec. 49.