Fence or deck costs in Orlando

Orlando lets plenty of fences go up with no permit, as long as you meet every condition on the city's list. On a one- or two-family lot, you can skip the permit when the fence is six feet or less where that's allowed, and it's made of wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron or plants.

The exceptions are the part to read closely. A fence inside a Historic Preservation district needs a permit and goes through Appearance Review. A permit is also needed for a fence on or near a public easement shown on your survey, and any fence serving as a required pool or spa barrier. Block, concrete and masonry fences need one too, including anything with rebar. Planned Development zones can carry their own rules, so the city sends those owners to City Planning first.

Heights are simple. Four feet in a front yard, six on the side, street side and rear, or four on a street side that abuts a neighbor's front yard. A side or rear fence can go to eight feet where it backs onto commercial or industrial land. Keep fences out of corner and driveway sight triangles.

If you want a gate across your driveway, the city sets a number. The gate has to sit at least 20 feet back from the property line, so plan the gate where your drive has the room.