Height guide
How tall can a fence be in Fort Lauderdale?
Updated October 2026
Up to 6 feet 6 inches on most residential lots. Fort Lauderdale's zoning table lets a fence or wall reach 6'6" at the side and rear property lines. Along the street, anything over 2'6" must be set back an average of 3 feet unless it is a 4'4" or lower fence that is at least 75% see-through.
What does the residential height table say?
These limits come from Section 47-19.5, Table 1, of Fort Lauderdale's Unified Land Development Regulations (ULDR), for residential zoning districts, as of October 2026. Heights are measured from grade and setbacks from the property line.
| Height | Transparency | Street setback | Side and rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2'6" | Any | 0 ft | 0 ft |
| 2'6" to 4'4" | 75% to 100% open | 0 ft | 0 ft |
| 2'6" to 4'4" | Under 75% open | 3 ft minimum average | 0 ft |
| 4'4" to 6'6" | Any | 3 ft minimum average | 0 ft |
| Chain link up to 6'6" | Any | 3 ft minimum average | 0 ft |
What does "75% transparent" mean in practice?
It means most of the fence face is open. A typical aluminum picket fence is mostly air, which is why open metal fences are popular in front yards: they can sit right on the property line at up to 4'4". A solid vinyl or board fence the same height has to step back from the street.
What goes in the 3-foot setback?
The city's fence checklist says a residential fence facing the street is set back at least 3 feet and the strip is planted: hedges and shrubs at 2 feet tall and 2 feet apart, and groundcover at 6 inches. Fences also have to show their finished side to the neighbor or the street.
When does the answer change?
It depends on the lot. Waterfront lots measure setbacks from the waterway under a separate section of the ULDR. Non-residential properties follow a different table and add trees to the landscaping strip. Handrails or safeguards required by state or federal code are exempt from the table. Pool barriers have a minimum height of 48 inches under the building code; see the pool fence guide. HOAs and condo associations may set lower limits.
Do other Broward cities use the same heights?
No. Hollywood, Plantation, Davie and Pompano Beach set their own limits. We check the rule for your city before the design is final.
Sources
City of Fort Lauderdale Unified Land Development Regulations, Section 47-19.5 (Fences, walls and hedges), Table 1; City of Fort Lauderdale Fence/Wall/Gate Permit Checklist (Rev. 5, February 2024), landscaping and finish requirements citing ULDR 47-19.5.C and 47-19.5.E.4. It is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with the city for your address.