February 26, 2026
A new fence feels simple until the city asks for a permit, a site plan, and an inspection. In Bonita Springs, that paperwork protects you too, because a fence in the wrong spot can lead to stop-work orders, fines, or even removal.
This Bonita Springs fence permit guide breaks the process into clear steps for 2026. You'll learn what usually triggers a permit, what documents to gather, and how to avoid the most common delays.
Before you buy panels or schedule an installer, take a breath and confirm the rules for your address. A fence is like a property-line "headline"; if it's wrong, everyone notices.
Start with your address: city limits, zoning, and HOA approval
Bonita Springs permitting depends on where your home sits. If you're inside the City of Bonita Springs limits, the city's Community Development Department typically issues the building permit for a new or replacement fence. If you're outside city limits, Lee County rules and permitting may apply instead. Because borders can be confusing, confirm jurisdiction before you apply.
Zoning matters just as much as jurisdiction. Your zoning district can affect allowed fence height, required setbacks, and what counts as a front yard on a corner lot. Meanwhile, planned communities and condo associations often add their own design rules, approved colors, and material restrictions. An HOA can be stricter than the city, even when the city says "yes."
A good order of operations is:
- Confirm you're in the city or county.
- Check zoning basics for your lot type (interior, corner, waterfront).
- Get HOA or architectural approval (if you have one).
- Apply for the permit.
Gotcha: HOA approval doesn't replace a building permit. Treat it as a separate green light.
If you're still deciding what style fits your neighborhood, compare practical options like vinyl privacy, aluminum, wood, and chain link under residential fencing installation. It's easier to pick a code-friendly design up front than to redraw plans later.
Bonita Springs fence permit rules that affect height, placement, and plans
Most homeowners run into the same "make-or-break" issues during review: height, where the fence sits, and whether anything conflicts with safety or easements.
Height is the big one. Front-yard fencing is commonly limited to a lower height than side and rear yards, and corner lots often face extra visibility rules near driveways and intersections. In addition, fences over a certain height can trigger extra documentation, such as engineered details. If you're considering a taller privacy fence, ask early what plan requirements apply to your material and design.
Placement causes more headaches than people expect. Property lines are not always obvious, especially after landscaping changes. Cities also care about easements (utility, drainage, access). Building on an easement can force a costly tear-out later, even if your neighbor was fine with it.
Water and flood rules can also change the paperwork. If your property is in a flood zone or near a mapped floodway, the city may ask for extra items to confirm the fence won't block flow or create hazards. Requirements can vary by location, so it's smart to confirm what applies to your address.
Here's a quick way to think about review triggers:
| Situation | What reviewers usually check | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Corner lot | Visibility near streets and driveways | Clear site plan showing corners and setbacks |
| Taller fence request | Structural needs |
