As of August 5, residential property owners in Longwood no longer need a permit to install or replace fencing on their property.
Single-family and duplex properties within the City of Longwood can now install treated wood, vinyl, or chain-link fences without applying for a permit in most scenarios. Replacing existing fencing is also exempt from permit requirements.
However, notable exceptions to these new exemptions include concrete and wrought-iron fencing, masonry, rebar-enforced fences, pool and spa barrier fences, powered or vehicular gates and any fencing on vacant properties.
Fence contractors such as Primo Fence LLC in Altamonte Springs are already pleased with these changes.
“The City of Longwood is leading by example in Seminole County,” Primo Fence LLC owner Peter Martinez said.
Martinez said that he hopes that other Florida cities will follow suit by “simplifying the fence installation process.”
Fence contractors and homeowners must still keep in mind a few rules, including that they must place the “pretty” side of the fence outwards and the support structures of the fence inwards, their fences should not exceed 42 inches and should not obstruct visibility at an intersection pursuant to standards in LDC 3.8.0. Fences must also be contructed at a minimum of 12 inches from public sidewalks and they must be painted white within the Longwood Historic District.
One notable exception is that wrought-iron fences may reach up to 6 feet in height, but must must be a maximum of 60% opaque. Chain-link fences are not permitted within the Longwood Historic District.
Fence contractors across the county have received notice of new guidelines, and teams like those at Primo Fence LLC are familiar with local codes.
“We ensure every fence we install meets regulations and looks great,” Martinez said.
