Cape Coral Fence Installation and Repair

On a canal? The back of the yard has its own rule

Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals, fresh and saltwater. If your lot is on one, this rule applies.

City code (LDC 5.2.7.B.2): fencing within 20 ft of the rear property line on waterfront sites must be open mesh above 3 ft. Code also says no fence may unreasonably block an adjoining lot's canal view.

In plain terms, a solid fence can run up to 3 ft in that back 20 ft. Anything taller has to be open. That is why aluminum and chain link are the usual picks on the water. See aluminum and chain link fences.

Fence permits in Cape Coral

A new residential fence in the City of Cape Coral needs a permit. Here is what that involves.

• Site plan. Always required. It shows where the fence goes on the lot.
• Burrowing Owl / Gopher Tortoise Affidavit. Always required for a new residential fence. Cape Coral has more than 3,000 burrowing owl burrows, the largest population in Florida. Burrows on and around the lot must be reported. Nesting season runs Feb 15 to Jul 10.
• Other papers when they apply. The City may also ask for a Notice of Commencement, an Eagle Management Affidavit, 75% Open Mesh Calculations, or manufacturer specs.
• Inspection. The City inspects the finished fence.

A few more City rules to know:

• Residential fences max out at 6 ft. 8 ft is allowed only along sides that abut a commercial or professional use.
• No part of a fence can sit forward of the front-most part of the side of the house.
• No fence on an unimproved residential lot, and none in a visibility triangle.

The permit rules here apply inside the City of Cape Coral. Towns outside city limits have their own process.

Which material holds up here?

Salt air, sun and wind are the big three on the Cape.

• Aluminum. It has no iron, so it suits canal salt air. Open pickets let wind pass through. Canal-front homes often pick powder-coated aluminum.
• Chain link. Vinyl-coated chain link is a strong pick near the water. It also suits high-wind spots. City code allows chain link without slats only.
• Vinyl. A common backyard privacy choice. A solid vinyl privacy fence takes the full force of the wind, so post spacing and reinforcement matter.
• Wood. Works well on interior lots. City code requires it to be decay resistant or pressure treated, and painted or stained.