The answer is: It depends upon the type and size of fence or wall being built.

For standard fence sections whether picket, chain link, board on board or any similar fence units supported on four by four wood or similar posts set in earth or concrete a permit and a final inspection are all that is required. In this case the purpose of the permit is to verify zoning compliance and not necessarily structural compliance so no engineering is required.

In the case of fences over six feet in height and privacy walls regardless of height, engineering is almost uniformly required. Fences over six feet high are case specific and to insure structural integrity the building department is going to want someone with knowledge of soils and strengths of materials (an engineer) to determine the embedment depth and flexural strength of the posts.

When erecting a structural component from scratch (e.g. masonry columns, walls or the like with typical fence sections supported between them) these structural components will generally be viewed by the building department as needing engineering and inspections.

For privacy walls an engineered design is required regardless of the type of construction. Styrofoam walls on aluminum frames covered with synthetic stucco will also require engineering. Masonry Block on a continuous footer with or without a stucco finish will require engineered drawings and brick or brick veneer will also require engineering. For these walls engineering will be required regardless of the height of the completed wall.

For more information on permitting and requirements please visit www.IRP-Florida.com. For more information on code requirements or to request assistance with permitting of fences and privacy walls please contact Gary Pailthorp, PE, CBO at gpailthorp@brackenengineering.com.

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