Freedom Code Compliance
Single Family

Single Family Fence

Install or replace a residential fence or gate. Use Retaining Wall for a wall that holds back soil.

Last updated: Sep 29, 2026

Section 1

Required Documents

Submit these with your initial project package.

Always required

  • Site Plan
    Site plan showing fence location, height, and relationship to property boundaries

Conditional

  • Product Specifications
    Product specifications for fence materials and design
    WhenFence material and height; a note on the site plan counts. Not needed to start review.

Courtesy screen

Courtesy screen on every plan review

Every plan FCC reviews receives a limited courtesy screen for the items below when they are reasonably visible in the submitted documents. If we see an apparent issue that could cause the plans to fail review by another agency, we will identify it as a Courtesy Comment. Courtesy Comments alone do not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope. The responsible agency makes the final determination—for example, Planning and Zoning for setbacks, lot coverage, use, and other lot-compliance matters. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  1. #01Plan and document coordination

    Obvious clerical, title-block, sheet-index, permit-description, or cross-sheet inconsistencies visible in the submitted documents. A Courtesy Comment on these items does not cause FCC to fail or return the plan set unless the same condition also creates a building-code compliance issue within FCC's review scope.

    FBC-B 107.2.1
  2. #02Zoning and site coordination

    Apparent setback, lot-coverage, use, or site-dimension conflicts visible in the submitted plans that could cause the plans to fail Planning and Zoning review. Planning and Zoning makes the zoning and lot-compliance determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  3. #03Floodplain coordination

    Apparent inconsistencies or missing coordination in flood-zone, design-flood-elevation, finished-floor, or flood-opening information shown on the plans that could cause the plans to fail floodplain review. The floodplain administrator makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

  4. #04Fire-authority coordination

    Apparent separately reviewed fire alarm, sprinkler, hood-suppression, smoke-control, or similar coordination issues visible on the plans that could cause the plans to fail fire review. The fire marshal makes the determination. The absence of a Courtesy Comment is not approval of those separate requirements.

Section 2

Approval criteria for this project type

These are the building-code criteria FCC uses to determine the plan-review result. An unresolved item may be issued as a Required Correction and cause the plan set to be returned for correction.

BuildingConditional review scope

Conditional review scopePlan review is not required for this scope under FBC 107.3.5. FCC reviews these items only when the building department specifically requires it, or the client opts in.
  1. #01Pool barrier compliance (if fence serves as pool barrier)Life Safety

    If the fence encloses a swimming pool or serves as the required pool barrier, it must comply with FBC-R R4501.17 pool barrier requirements: minimum height, opening limits, latch height, and gate direction.

    FBC-R R4501.17
  2. #02Plan review applicability (FBC 107.3.5)Documentation

    Fences are not listed in FBC-B 107.3.5 minimum plan review criteria for one- and two-family dwellings. FCC performs this review only when the building department requires plan review (commonly for pool-enclosing fences or tall fence wind loads) or the client opts in.

    FBC-B 107.3.5
  3. #03Wind load for tall or solid fencesPerformance

    Tall (over 6 feet) or solid fences in high-wind zones require engineered design or manufacturer product approval.

    FBC-B 1609ASCE 7

Items marked Conditional review scope are non-blocking. Per FBC 107.3.5, plan review isn't required for these scopes — FCC reviews them when the building department requests it or the client wants the extra set of eyes.

Section 3

Inspection Walkthrough

Inspections are listed in their typical phase order. Your own inspection list comes from your approved plans. Inspections marked “If in scope” apply only when your plans include that work. Call (772) 222-6679 with questions.

Building

Phase #1

Footing / Grade Beam

If in scopeBD-Dependent

Most jurisdictions skip this inspection for this project type. Confirm with your building department whether they'll require it.

  1. Footing dimensionsCritical

    Verify footing width and depth match approved plans

  2. Rebar size and spacingCritical

    Verify rebar size, spacing, and placement per plans

  3. UFER grounding electrodeCritical

    If this footing contains a concrete-encased electrode, show its length and connection before concrete.

    NEC 250.52
  4. Foundation anchorage layout

    Verify anchor bolt placement for sill plate attachment

  5. Forms and footing locationCritical

    Verify footing and grade beam forms match the approved foundation plan before the pour.

  6. Excavation conditionCritical

    Check that the excavation is clean, stable, and ready for concrete.

Phase #2

Building Final

Typical Final
  1. Post installation and depthCritical

    Verify fence posts are set at proper depth and spacing per approved plans

    FBC-R R301.1
  2. Fence height and setbackCritical

    Verify fence height and setback from property line per approved plans

    FBC-R R301.1
  3. Material and constructionCritical

    Verify fence material and construction method match approved plans

    FBC-R R301.1
  4. Gate operation

    Verify gates open, close, and latch properly

    FBC-R R301.1