Ask a Planner

Have land use or planning questions? Need an application for a temporary event, or form to start your project? Find frequently asked questions below. Not finding what you're looking for? Email [email protected] with your question.

Fences

When are permits required to install or replace a fence?

The City requires a building permit to install, repair or replace all fences.

Where should my fence be located?

Fences may be placed anywhere on private property up to the property line so long as height restrictions and sight visibility standards are met. Fences must also be located at least two feet from sidewalks.

How tall can my fence be?

Fence height is measured from grade to the top of the tallest portion of the fence, column or post.

Fences located on single-family, duplex, triplex, and commercial properties may be up to six (6) feet tall in rear and side yards and up to four (4) feet tall in front yards.

Industrial properties may have fences up to eight (8) feet tall on all sides.

Multi-family and mobile home communities may have fences up to six (6) feet tall on all sides.

Decorative gates and gate support posts may extend up to eight (8) feet in height for multifamily, subdivisions, and mobile home communities.

What kind of fence materials are allowed?

Residential properties may have fences constructed of wood, vinyl, brick, split-faced or stucco covered CMU, stone, aluminum and chain link.

Multi-family and mobile home parks are allowed brick, vinyl chain link when integrated into a landscape buffer and coated to blend in to the surroundings, split-faced or stucco CMU, glass, vinyl, aluminum, and stone fences and walls

Commercial properties are allowed brick, split-faced or stucco CMU, glass, vinyl, aluminum, and stone fences and walls.

Industrial properties are allowed barbed wire, brick, chain link, split-faced or stucco CMU, glass, vinyl, and stone fences and walls.

Do I need a survey for a fence permit?

Because fence permit reviews verify the allowed locations, visibility requirements, and allowable heights, a valid survey or site plan is required with the application.

Which direction should the fence face?

All fences should be installed with the finished side facing towards neighboring properties and any abutting right of way.

Are fences allowed in easements?

Proposed fence installations and replacements that are to be located within a public easement will be reviewed by the City Engineering Department to ensure the fence does not interfere with the function and intent of the easement.

Common Fence Replacement and Installation Applications (P = permitted; refer to ordinance for athletic fences)

STANDARD/PROPERTY TYPE		Single-family, Duplex, Triplex	Multi-family & Mobile Home Communities	Institutional	Commercial	Industrial
Height	Maximum (ft.)	6 rear/side yard 4 front yard	6 all sides	6	6 rear/side yard 4 front yard	8 all sides
Materials & Fence Types	Barbed wire	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	P
	Brick	P	P	P	P	P
	Uncoated Chain Link	P	Not allowed
	Vinyl Coated Chain Link for Buffer	P	Must be integrated into a required landscape buffer and coated to blend into the surroundings
	Concrete with stucco or split faced CMU	P	P	P	P	P
	Electric	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed
	Glass	P	P	P	P	P
	Vinyl	P	P	P	P	P
	Aluminum	P	P	P	P	P
	Stone	P	P	P	P	P
	Wood	P	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not Allowed

Tree Removal

Do I need a tree removal permit?

A tree removal permit is required for all trees measuring 4 inches in diameter or greater and palm trees over 4.5 feet tall.

What information is needed for a tree removal permit application?

A completed tree removal permit application with the property site plan showing approximate tree(s) locations is necessary. This application needs to be submitted in person at Largo City Hall, 201 Highland Ave, Largo.

What trees am I not allowed to remove?

Mangrove plants or trees should not be removed. No trimming of mangroves should take place without a permit issued by Pinellas County Environmental Management. All trimming and maintenance of mangroves is subject to the requirements of Florida Statute 403.9321-403.9333.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead or diseased tree?

A permit is required but there is no charge for the permit.

Am I allowed to prune my trees?

Yes, all trees may be pruned to maintain shape and promote their shade-giving qualities and to remove diseased or dying portions in areas where falling limbs could be a hazard to people or property.

EXCEPTIONS:

No more than 25% of the crown should be removed at one time in order for the trees to develop a healthy structure.
No more than 33% of the trunk of immature trees should be left bare by limb removal. Also, the top branch or leader of immature trees shall not be removed.

What are invasive trees and do I need a permit to remove one?

A permit is required but there will be no charge for the permit.

Common invasive species include but not limited to: Brazilian pepper trees, Australian pine trees, Camphor trees, Carrotwood, Punk Tree, and Mimosa. View a complete list of invasive plant species.

If I remove a tree from my property do I need to replace it?

You may be required to replace the removed tree if the property does not meet the requirements per the Comprehensive Development Code. Dead or diseased trees and invasive trees are exceptions.

PROPERTY-RELATED

What is my zone?

The City of Largo does not use traditional zoning. Instead, the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) regulates current uses for each property within the City and provides policy guidance for future development. You may contact the Ask-A-Planner desk to find out more information about your property's Future Land Use designation.

What are the building setbacks on my property?

A building setback is the minimum distance that a building can be from your property line. Building setbacks can vary by land use, building type, and the nature of the adjacent type. Building setback information may be found in our Comprehensive Development Code

What uses are allowed on my property?

View uses in Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Development Code

How do I request a "zoning verification letter" (also known as "land use letter")?

To request a "zoning verification letter", called a land use letter at the City of Largo, email [email protected].

Ask a Planner FAQs

Fences

Tree Removal

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