Before You Build in New Port Richey, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

New Port Richey follows Florida's spite fence statute (FL §823.11) which prohibits fences built maliciously to annoy neighbors. There is no shared-cost requirement under Florida law. Fences must be built entirely on the property owner's land or with written agreement from the adjacent owner.

Fence permits in New Port Richey may be required depending on construction type. Standard wood or aluminum fences may not require a permit if under 6 feet, but fences supported by brick, block, or concrete columns require a building permit. All fences must meet setback requirements.

New Port Richey adopted strict fence regulations via Ordinance 2021-2224. Front yard fences are limited to 3 feet in height with posts no more than 1 foot above the top rail. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet, or 4 feet if adjacent to a roadway or river.

Above-ground pools in New Port Richey must comply with Florida Building Code barrier requirements and the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). Pools with walls 48 inches or higher may serve as their own barrier if access points are secured. A building permit is required for permanent installations.

New Port Richey enforces the Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (FL §515). At least one approved safety feature is required: pool barrier, safety cover, door/window alarms, or door self-closing devices. Pools must pass final inspection with safety features in place. The city follows Florida Building Code 7th Edition pool safety standards.

New Port Richey requires pool barriers per Florida Building Code and FL §515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pool enclosures must comply with LDC Section 12.05.7 and be located no closer than 5 feet from side and rear lot lines. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high.

Accessory dwelling units in New Port Richey are regulated under LDC Chapter 12 (Accessory Uses) and Chapter 7 (Zoning). Florida has no statewide ADU mandate, but the city allows certain accessory residential uses in applicable zoning districts. Setbacks depend on zoning district and lot configuration.

Garage conversions in New Port Richey require a building permit and must comply with Florida Building Code and the city's Land Development Code. Converted spaces must meet minimum parking requirements for the zoning district. Habitable space conversions must meet all residential building code standards including electrical, plumbing, and egress.

Carports in New Port Richey are accessory structures regulated under the Land Development Code (Appendix A, Chapter 7 Zoning). A building permit is required, and the carport must comply with the underlying zoning district's setback, height, lot-coverage, and off-street-parking standards. Florida Building Code 2023 wind-load requirements apply, including coastal high-hazard area provisions for parcels near the gulf coast.

Sheds in New Port Richey under 150 square feet do not require a building permit but must have tie-downs installed and meet required setbacks per the Land Development Code. Larger sheds require a building permit. All accessory structures must comply with Chapter 12 and applicable zoning setbacks.

Outdoor burning in New Port Richey is regulated under Chapter 8 and Florida Forest Service guidelines (FL Admin Code 5I-2). Open burning requires compliance with Florida Department of Agriculture and FL FS Chapter 590. The city's urbanized setting limits open burning opportunities compared to rural Pasco County areas.

Recreational fire pits in New Port Richey must comply with Chapter 8 fire prevention standards and Florida Fire Prevention Code. Fires must be contained in an approved fire pit or portable outdoor fireplace and maintained a safe distance from structures and combustible materials.

Tree removal in New Port Richey requires permits for protected species under the Land Development Code Chapter 8. Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (Section 802) imposes mitigation fees: $75 per inch of trunk diameter for standard trees and $150 per inch for heritage trees (live oaks 34"+ or Southern magnolias 24"+).

New Port Richey follows SWFWMD water restrictions enforced through Pasco County Ordinance Ch. 62, Art. II, Div. 3. Currently under a Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order, lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week based on address number. Watering is only permitted between midnight and 8 AM (reclaimed) or 6 PM to 8 AM (potable/well).

New Port Richey regulates tree trimming and removal through its Land Development Code Chapter 8 (Resource Protection Standards). The city has tree protection provisions requiring permits for removal of certain protected species. Pasco County's tree preservation ordinance (Section 802) also applies, with mitigation fees of $75/inch for standard trees and $150/inch for heritage trees.