Before You Build in Sarasota, FL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Sarasota Zoning Code Sec. VII-1101 (Article VII Division 11 - Fences, Walls and Hedges) allows fences and walls up to 6.5 feet in height in front, rear, and side setbacks in all zone districts, with limited exceptions. Open mesh or chain-link fences may reach 10 feet in G, IGD, IHD, CI, I, and ILW industrial/commercial zone districts.

Residential pool barriers in Sarasota must meet the Florida Residential Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Safety Act (F.S. Ch. 515) - at least 48 inches high on the exterior side, no climbable gaps over 4 inches, and either separated from the home or compliant with door alarm / self-latching door alternatives under F.S. §515.29.

All fences in the City of Sarasota require a building permit issued by the Building and Zoning Division. The fence permit checklist (B10.0902) requires a site plan showing setbacks, height, materials, and engineering details for fences subject to wind-load requirements under the Florida Building Code.

Sarasota has no general 'fence good side faces neighbor' ordinance, but the Zoning Code Sec. VII-1101 sets the height standards for shared property lines. Fences must comply with line-of-sight rules at intersections and driveways per Florida Greenbook standards.

Sarasota pool fencing follows the Florida Residential Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Safety Act (F.S. Ch. 515) - 48-inch minimum height, no climbable gaps over 4 inches, self-closing and self-latching gates with releases at least 54 inches above the ground, and either a separated barrier or compliant home-side door alarms / latching.

Construction of any in-ground or above-ground residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Sarasota requires a building permit under the Florida Building Code (FBC) and Sarasota Code. Permits include structural, electrical, plumbing, gas (if applicable), and pool barrier review under F.S. Ch. 515.

Sarasota pool safety follows F.S. Ch. 515 (Pool Safety Act), the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (federal), and FBC Sec. 454. Required features include anti-entrapment drain covers, GFCI-protected electrical circuits, proper bonding/grounding per NEC Art. 680, and one of four §515.29 barrier methods.

Sarasota allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential zones including RSF (Residential Single-Family), RE (Residential Estate), and RSF/PUD districts. ADUs are capped at 750 square feet with a full kitchen and bath, must meet a 10-foot rear yard setback, and must maintain architectural consistency with the primary residence.

Sheds in Sarasota are subject to building permits if they exceed 120 square feet or are placed in a flood zone. Zoning Code Sec. VII-901 sets accessory structure setbacks - typically 10 feet rear and 5-10 feet side depending on district. Sheds must meet 150+ mph wind anchoring requirements under the Florida Building Code.

Open burning of yard waste, household trash, or construction debris is prohibited in the City of Sarasota under Ch. 14 Fire Prevention regulations and Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-256. Land-clearing fires require authorization from the Florida Forest Service under F.S. Ch. 590.

Recreational fire pits are generally allowed in Sarasota but must comply with Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1, adopted by reference in Ch. 14): no larger than 3 feet diameter and 2 feet tall, at least 25 feet from any structure, attended at all times, and immediately extinguished if a Fire Marshal burn ban is in effect.

The City of Sarasota observes the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) year-round watering restrictions: two days per week for residential addresses (even-odd schedule) typically before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. SWFWMD can declare additional Phase I-IV drought restrictions tightening the schedule further.

Tree trimming in Sarasota is governed by Zoning Code Sec. VII-309 et seq. and ANSI A300 industry standards. Heavy pruning (more than 25% canopy removal) typically requires a tree permit. Mangrove trimming in waterfront areas is regulated separately under Sarasota County Code Ch. 54 Art. XXXV (Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act delegated authority).

City of Sarasota Zoning Code Article VII Division 3.1 (Tree Protection, Sec. VII-309 et seq.) requires a tree permit to remove or relocate any tree (other than citrus) over 4.5 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or most palm trees. Ordinance 21-5369 (June 15, 2022) amended the tree protection regulations.