Fence Permit Application Checklist

Use this checklist before visiting your county building department. Incomplete applications are returned — gathering everything in advance saves days. Verify all requirements with your local building department before submitting.

Section 1 — Property Information

Property Address

County / Municipality

Parcel / APN Number

Zoning District

HOA Name (if any)

Flood Zone Designation

Section 2 — Permit Threshold Verification

Confirmed permit threshold with building departmentName of person spoken to: _________________________ Date: _____________

Checked FEMA flood zone status at msc.fema.govResult: □ Zone X (minimal risk) □ Zone A/AE □ Zone VE □ Zone X (shaded/moderate)

Verified property is not in a historic district overlayHistoric district fences require separate review by the landmarks/historic preservation board

Confirmed fence is not a pool safety barrier (separate permit category)Pool barriers always require their own permit regardless of other fence permit thresholds

Section 3 — Fence Specifications

Total Linear Footage

Fence Height (inches)

Material (wood / vinyl / aluminum / other)

Post Material & Depth

Gate Location(s)

Estimated Project Cost ($)

Section 4 — Required Documents Checklist

Completed permit application formAvailable at your county building department or their website. Fill out completely including contractor license # if applicable.

Site plan / plot plan (hand-drawn is fine)Must show: property outline, house footprint, proposed fence line, setback distances from all property lines, gate locations, north arrow, scale or measurements, fence height and material noted.

Property survey or plat mapFrom your closing documents or county assessor's GIS. Used to confirm property lines and setbacks.

Flood elevation certificate (if in flood zone A/AE/VE only)Required only for flood zone properties. Obtain from a licensed surveyor or your county floodplain manager.

HOA approval letter (if in an HOA)Signed letter from Architectural Control Committee. Keep original, submit copy. Get this before applying for the county permit.

Contractor information (if not owner-pulling permit)Contractor name, company, state license number, and contact information.

Payment for permit feeEstimated fee: $ _______________. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods (check, card, cash).

⚠️ Before You Order Materials: Do not order fence materials or schedule your contractor to begin until your permit is approved and in hand. "It looks good" from a permit technician is not an approved permit. Permit timelines: small counties 1–5 days; large metros 1–4 weeks; flood zone/variance cases 4–10 weeks.

Section 5 — HOA Pre-Approval Checklist (Skip if No HOA)

Located fence section of CC&Rs and Architectural GuidelinesBoth documents may apply. Note approved materials, heights, colors, and setbacks specific to your HOA.

Prepared written ACC application with site plan and specificationsMost HOAs require a site plan, fence height, material, color/finish, and photo reference. Never submit verbally.

Submitted HOA application and noted the review deadlineSubmission date: _____________ Review deadline (per CC&Rs): _____________

Received written HOA approval — kept a copyNever rely on verbal approval. Keep written approval with your permit file permanently.

Section 6 — Setback Measurement Worksheet

Measure setbacks from the property line — not from the curb, sidewalk, or fence. The right-of-way extends several feet behind the curb in most neighborhoods.

Rear property line setback required

Side property line setback required

Front / ROW setback required

Corner lot sight triangle distance

Utility easement location(s)

Drainage easement location(s)

Located iron pin survey markers at property cornersSmall metal stakes (often with colored plastic caps) at the corners of your lot. If not found, consider hiring a surveyor ($300–$900) before installing posts near property lines.

Called 811 (Call Before You Dig) to have underground utilities markedRequired by law before digging any post holes. Free service, 48-hour notice. Call: 811 or visit call811.com

Photographed stake/string line layout with tape measure visibleDocuments your setback compliance before breaking ground. Protects you if neighbor challenges placement later.

Section 7 — Permit Fee Reference (2024)

Jurisdiction Type	Typical Fee Range	Notes
Rural county	$0 – $35	Many charge nothing; some charge flat admin fee
Small city (under 50,000)	$25 – $75	Flat fee; no plan review for standard residential
Mid-size city	$50 – $150	May add per-linear-foot charge above base size
Large metro county	$85 – $250	Plan review fee often added on top
LA / NYC / SF / Miami	$150 – $350+	Inspection, plan check, and tech surcharges add up
Flood zone review (any county)	Add $50 – $200	On top of standard fee
Variance required	Add $200 – $600	Public hearing required; largest cost component
Retroactive (after the fact)	2x standard fee	Plus potential fines; inspector must approve as-built

Section 8 — Pre-Inspection Checklist

Permit card posted at job site, visible from street during construction

Built fence to match approved permit exactly (height, location, material, gates)Any changes from approved plans require a permit amendment before construction proceeds.

Scheduled final inspection through building department portal or phoneInspection date: ___________________ Inspector name: ___________________

Received final inspection sign-off and permit closeout confirmationKeep a copy of the closed permit and approval permanently in your home files.