Building and Permitting Services
1500 Monroe St. Fort Myers, FL 33901 | 239-533-8329 | econnect@leegov.com
Residential Fence or Wall
Application and Permitting Guide
This guide is intended to help you submit the required application and documents to receive a Lee
County building permit.
The guide includes these sections:
1. Permit Description
2. Complete your general permit application
3. Attach the required and conditional documents to your application package
4. Understand the review process and track your application
5. Receive your permit
6. Pay your fee(s)
7. Request the necessary inspection(s)
8. Obtain your Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy
1. Permit Description
A Residential Fence or Wall permit is required to install or replace a fence or wall. Fences and walls
must be constructed of conventional and traditional building materials including, but not limited to
concrete block, brick, wood, decorative aluminum, iron or steel, chain link or composite products
manufactured specifically for fences and walls.
For bonafide agricultural uses, this is required only in the FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
Fences made of barbed wire, spire tips or sharp objects or that are electrified shall not be erected
within 100 feet of any residential area or residential zoning district without the Director's authorization
and review of hazards.
Non-traditional materials, including but not limited to, tires, mufflers, hibcaps, etc., are prohibited.
Fabric sheets, nets, plastic, metal or vinyl sheets or slats may not be used as part of the fence or
attached to a fence for privacy or required screening.
Each permit may require multiple work activities; therefore, refer to the applicable codes, which may
include but are not limited to:
− Florida Building Code
8th Edition (2023)
− Lee County Land Development Code Chapter 34
o Sec. 34-1742 - Construction of Fences
o Sec. 34-1743 - Residential Wall Projects
o Sec. 34-1744 - Location and Height of Fences and Walls
Need Help? Contact us @ ZoningReview@leegov.com
with your detailed questions.
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2. Complete the General Permit Application
A complete application package consists of the application (paper or online) and all required
supporting documents.
All applicants are encouraged to use Lee County’s eConnect online permitting system to apply for
permits. CONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO USE ECONNECT.
A. Paper Application Package
Paper applications can only be submitted by Owner-Builders. Complete the paper application and
attach all of the required and conditional documents described in this guide, including the Owner-
Builder Disclosure Statement. INCLUDE THREE COLLATED SETS OF PLANS for paper submissions.
A paper application package must be submitted in person to the Building Department. The office is
located at the Lee County Public Works Building, first floor, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
B. eConnect Application Package (Electronic Submission)
Register for eConnect
To apply for a Lee County permit online, you must first register at eConnect.
Instructions for New Users: Register for an Account are included on the eConnect login page.
Review the eConnect Users Guide for more details about using eConnect.
Also see eConnect Instructions highlighted throughout this guide.
eConnect Steps
Once you have logged into eConnect, select the Permitting menu to Create an Application. Review
the general disclaimer terms and select the checkbox to Continue Application.
1. Select a Record Type
On the Select a Record Type screen, select Residential (single, two-family attached, duplex)>>
Residential Fence Permit. Or search on the term Fence. Select the radio button and Continue
Application.
2. Provide the Property Information (* indicates required fields) to identify the property for which
the permit will be used. Lookup the property information using one of the options below, then
click Search:
• Address (using the required fields Street No., Street Name); or
• Parcel (using Parcel Number).
eConnect Instructions: If multiple addresses are found, they will be displayed in the Address
Search Result List. Use the radio button to select the desired record, then click Select.
Once search results are displayed, the other fields on the screen will automatically populate.
Review information for accuracy and Continue Application.
3. Applicant and Contacts
If a licensed contractor is providing the service for this permit, they must have either a State-
issued license registered with Lee County or have a Lee County-issued certificate of competency.
Both require a current Certificate of Insurance for liability and workers' compensation AND/OR a
current workers' compensation exemption status with the State of Florida. Verify Lee County
contractor registration at Contractor Search
or contact Contractor Licensing at
[email protected] or 239-533-8895.
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Note: If the applicant is an owner-builder and not a licensed contractor, an Owner-Builder
Disclosure Statement must be attached to the application.
To associate the Applicant and Contact(s) with the permit application, use either: Select from
Account or Add New.
Note: The Applicant listed in eConnect will receive all notifications from the County related to
their application.
4. Project Detail Fields
Complete all applicable fields. An explanation of certain fields has been provided below for your
reference.
• Project Name: What is the name of the project?
• For Commercial Projects - input the Project's Business Name (associated with the
Business License) as the Project Name
• For Residential Projects - input the name of the community/subdivision or city as the
Project Name
• Brief Description of Proposed Work: Provide enough detail for the reviewer to understand
the permit-related details of the project and Continue Application.
• Type of Permit: Select the type.
(Options: Fence, Garden, Retaining, Wall)
• Private Provider Plan Review: Is the plan being reviewed by a private provider?
(Options: Yes or No).
If yes, the Private Provider Compliance Affidavit and Notice to Building Officials of the Use
Private Provider form must be submitted with this application. Notice to Private Providers
• Private Provider Inspections: Will the project be inspected by a private provider?
(Options: Yes or No).
Note: Private Provider Inspections are required if electing to use Private Provider Review
services.
• Construction Value:
• Will fence be used as a pool enclosure?:
(Options: Yes or No).
If yes, self-latching gate details must be submitted.
• Master #: If using a mastered plan indicate that reference number.
• Directions: Provide directions to the property and the specific structure being permitted.
• Fence/Wall Material:
(Options: Aluminum, Chainlink, Coasted Galvanized Metal, Combination, Concrete Block,
Painted Metal, Picket, Plastic/Vinyl, Precast, Split Rail, Styrofoam, Wire, Wood, Wood Wire
Combo per Approved DCD drawing).
• Height (Feet):
5. Attachments/Documents
• For Electronic Submittals: In the Attachments window, Add the required and conditional
documents.
• For Paper Submittals: Provide the completed application, the Owner Builder Disclosure
Statement and any other required and conditional documents.
(Use list of documents in Section 3.)
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3. Attach Required and Conditional Documents
Notice: Lee County may request additional supporting documentation to process the permit. Additional
restrictions applicable to this property may be found in public records, and there may be additional
permits required from other governmental entities such as water management districts, state or federal
agencies.
Required Documents
1. Site Plan / Plot Plan
• All property lines;
• Streets;
• Bodies of water on or abutting the property;
• Buildings and/or fences on the property;
• Easements on the property;
• Location of the proposed fence/wall;
• Setbacks from property lines and waterbodies
• FEMA flood map information, particularly if the project is in a regulatory floodway or V
Zone; and
• All recorded easements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to research existing
easements and other site plan information adequate for staff to review.
Sample
Conditional Required Documents
2. No Rise Certificate
If work is being done within a regulatory Floodway and involves land disturbing activity (e.g.
moving dirt), including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other
development, an analysis is required showing that the proposed work will not increase the
base flood elevation. The analysis (known as a No-Rise or No-Impact Certification) is to be
submitted, reviewed, and subsequently approved by the Floodplain Administrator. This
analysis must be signed and sealed by a Florida licensed engineer and is to be submitted with
the Site Plan. Please review this website for more information:
https://www.leegov.com/dcd/flood/firm/zones/regulatoryfloodway/
To determine if the parcel for your worksite is in a Floodway, go to the LeeSpinS website
(https://leegis.leegov.com/LeeSpInS/
); search by STRAP #, Folio ID, Owner, or Address – results
returned with icons across the bottom; click on the Flood Info icon; then click on Flood Info to
retrieve a report; in the 3
rd
column of the FIRM Floodway row you will see either ‘FLOODWAY’,
‘OUTSIDE FLOODWAY’, or the name of a Municipality (such as ‘City of Fort Myers’).
FLOODWAY means that your parcel is in a Floodway; OUTSIDE FLOODWAY means that your
parcel is not in a Floodway; and the municipality name means that you will need to contact
that municipality to determine if your worksite is in a Floodway. You may also see a
percentage (%) next to FLOODWAY or OUTSIDE FLOODWAY. These numbers show the
percentage of the parcel that is in, or out of, the Floodway.
Lee County contact information: (239) 533-8585
Municipality contact information:
• City of Bonita Springs (239) 444-6150
• City of Cape Coral (239) 574-0553
• City of Fort Myers (239) 321-7925
Select this icon
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• City of Sanibel (239) 472-3700
• Village of Estero (239) 221-5036
• Town of Fort Myers Beach (239) 765-0202
3. Proof of Ownership
If the ownership information on the permit application does not match the property owner
information on the Lee County Property Appraiser’s website (http://www.leepa.org), submit
proof of ownership, for example, a recorded Warranty Deed.
4. Signed and Sealed Blue Prints
If a fence or wall is higher than 6 feet (excluding chain-link fences), provide
blueprints/engineering plans that are signed and sealed by a Florida Registered Architect or
Engineer.
If the project is a wall, include:
• Footer detail;
• Re-bar; and
• How many courses of block will be utilized.
5. Pool Barrier Information
If the permit is for a pool barrier, include:
• Fence materials;
• Height and applicable dimensions of vertical and horizontal members;
• Post embedment type and depth and/or deck attachment details; and
• Gate locations and sizes as well as self-closing, self-latching hardware & devices
information.
6. Historical Architectural Review.
If the project is within a Historic District or is a Designated Historic Property, follow the
regulations for Designated Historic Districts on the Lee County website. Please contact
[email protected] if you have questions.
7. Vegetation Removal Permit
If the project is on property in unincorporated Lee County that is over 5 acres, over 2 acres
on Pine Island, or any property on a barrier island, then a permit is required for the removal
of vegetation and protection of endangered species. For more information, please review
the
Environmental Sciences section of the website and Application Information and
Authorization Letter. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.
8. Notice of Commencement
If project value is $5,000 or more, submit the completed Notice of Commencement
to the
Lee County Clerk of Court to provide notice that improvement will be made to a real
property. Permit cannot be issued until this notice is recorded with the Lee County Clerk of
Court. Tip: Complete this as soon as possible; the lack of a Notice of Commencement
submission commonly holds up issuance of the permit.
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4. Understand the Review Process and Track Your Application
Completeness Check
When the application package is first received, it is reviewed for completeness to determine that the
general application is complete and that all required documents, signatures, and seals are attached.
If the package is incomplete, the applicant must provide missing information before the application
package can be forwarded for review.
Application Review
Complete applications are forwarded to multiple functional areas for review.
• eConnect applications can be reviewed simultaneously by the required reviewers.
• Paper applications are reviewed by one person at a time and must be physically handed off
among the required reviewers.
Applicants can use eConnect at any time to track the progress of the application record through the
process, for both Electronic and Paper submittals.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application to see the Records Status, Conditions and Record Details.
Notice of Rejection
If applicable, the final reviewer consolidates all comments and an email notice is sent to the applicant.
Rejection Notice: A rejection notice will be sent to the applicant with specific points of failure that
must be corrected and resubmitted for approval. Applicants have 30 days to address the points of
failure and to resubmit information and documentation. A cover letter addressing the points of failure
is required with the resubmittal.
• Resubmitting an Application via eConnect: To update the required information and to
ensure correct versioning in eConnect, attachments that are resubmitted should have the
same file name as the original.
• Resubmitting a Paper Application: Bring updated documentation to the first floor of the Lee
County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Notice of Approval
File Verification - Notification: Staff completes a final document review to determine any
outstanding documents and invoice all applicable fees. The “Ready Sheet” outlining outstanding fees
and required documents is emailed to the applicant.
5. Receive Your Permit
Applicants who applied electronically may access their permit(s) and approved plans from eConnect.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application, and select Attachments. All documents will be listed. Choose the Actions
drop-down to review document details. Click on the document name to open or save.
For Paper Applications: The permit and approved plans are issued in person at the Lee County Public
Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
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Note: Owner-Builders are required by Florida Statute to personally appear at the Lee County Public
Works Building, 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 to sign for the building permit regardless of
how it was submitted.
Issued permits must pass at least one inspection within 180 days from issuance or the permit will
expire.
6. Pay Your Fee(s)
All payments must be received prior to scheduling an inspection.
Payment Options:
• Make payments through eConnect
• Deliver the payment in person to the Lee County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St.,
Fort Myers, FL 33901
• Make a credit card payment by phone, 239-533-8997, option *.
Cash is not accepted; please pay by credit/debit card, check, eCheck, or money order.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global
Search, or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for
your permit application, select the menu option for Payments >> Fees, then click Pay Fees
button, review fees, select Continue Application, enter your payment information and click
Submit Payment.
7. Request Inspections(s)
Reference the issued permit for a list of the required inspections.
When ready, applicants may request inspections through eConnect, as well as by calling the
Automated Inspection System, 239-533-8997.
The Permit, Approved Plans and Manufacturers’ Specifications are required to be onsite during the
inspection.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global
Search, or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for
your permit application, select Inspections then select the Schedule or Request an Inspection
button, select the inspection(s) from the list and Continue. Select the date and verify the
contact and location information, then click Finish.
Common Inspections Include:
Residential Fence, Garden
120 Fence Final
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Residential Retaining, Wall
101 Foundation/Footing
103 Tie Beam
104 Columns/Pilings
106 Final Structural/Building
8. Obtain the Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy
Once all inspections have passed, the permit is closed and the Certificate of Compliance and/or the
Certificate of Occupancy are issued. Applicants may pull certificate information through eConnect.
eConnect Instructions: Search for your permit application using My Records, the Global Search
or the Search Applications under the Permitting menu. Click on the record number for your
permit application. Select Reports at the top of the screen, select Certificate from the list and a
new window will display the document; options to save or print will be displayed.
