Cocoa, FL Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Under Appendix A, Article XIII, Section 5(c) of the Cocoa Code of Ordinances, no fence or wall may be erected, constructed, installed or replaced anywhere in the city without first obtaining a building permit, unless the fence is specifically excepted elsewhere in the section. The permit application must be supported by a certified boundary survey or another accurate, scaled drawing that shows, at a minimum, the location of all property lines; the exact location and dimensions of the proposed fence or wall; the location, dimensions and setbacks of all structures and easements already on the property; and the type of construction to be used.

The city reviews this material to confirm the fence meets the bulk regulations in Section 5(d), which set maximum heights by yard and zoning district, the prohibited-materials list, and the site-visibility triangle rule near intersections and railroad crossings. A limited set of installations are excepted from the general permit trigger, including temporary construction fencing tied to an active building permit, which must be removed within two weeks of the certificate of occupancy, and fencing required under the city's special-events ordinance. Preexisting nonconforming fences lawfully standing as of February 24, 2004 were exempt from the current standards but could not be extended in further violation, and any fence still nonconforming after that date had to reach full compliance by February 24, 2014.

Waivers from the bulk requirements go through the board of adjustment under Appendix A, Article XVII, Section 8, which weighs safety, visual impact, design compatibility and screening of nuisance conditions.