Front Yard Fence Rules Every Boca Raton Homeowner Should Know

Thinking about installing a fence in your front yard in Boca Raton? There are a few key things to know before you start digging. The City of Boca Raton has some specific rules in place to protect neighborhood curb appeal and ensure safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you don’t get caught off guard by code violations or unexpected rework.

Hedges vs. Fences: What’s the Difference?

A hedge is a living fence made of shrubs or bushes. Boca Raton treats hedges a bit differently than wood or vinyl fences—but many of the same rules still apply.

Can You Go Taller Than 4 Feet With a Hedge?

Sometimes, yes. Here’s when:

• Rear or side yards next to public property or non-residential zones
• Rear or side yards 25 feet or wider
• Narrower yards if both you and your neighbor agree (and unless someone complains in writing, the city assumes you’re both fine with it)

What About Front Yard Hedges?

You can’t go higher than the lowest hedge line in the side yard closest to it.
And if you have a fence or wall in the side yard, your front hedge still has to stay under 4 feet.

It’s a bit confusing, but here’s the metaphor:

Think of hedge height like matching socks—if one side of your yard is short, the front needs to match.

Front Yard Fence Height Limit: 4 Feet Max

In Boca Raton, fences, walls, and gates in your front yard are limited to 4 feet in height—no exceptions unless you meet very specific conditions.

Why?
Because the city wants to keep neighborhoods open and friendly-looking. Tall fences in the front can make streets feel closed off and can block views for drivers turning onto streets.

Corner Lot Rules: The 6-Foot Exception (With a Catch)

If your house sits on a corner lot, there’s a special rule for the side yard facing the street.

You can build up to a 6-foot fence here if you:

• Set the fence back at least 5 feet from the side street
• Install a landscape buffer (we’ll explain that next)
• Keep the front yard fence at 4 feet max—the 6-foot rule only applies to the side yard facing the street, not the actual front of the home

What’s a Landscape Buffer?

A landscape buffer is basically a row of shrubs planted between your fence and the street. Think of it as a green privacy screen that softens the look of your fence from the road.

If you’re installing a fence in a spot that requires a buffer (like a corner lot or double frontage lot), here’s what Boca Raton requires:

• Shrubs must be spaced no more than 3 feet apart (center to center)
• For chain link fences, the shrubs must be thick enough to completely block the view of the fence from the road

It’s not just for looks—it’s the law.

Double Frontage Lots: Same Deal as Corner Lots

If your house backs up to another street (what’s called a double frontage lot), the city gives you the same option:

• Up to 6 feet allowed along the “back street”
• Must be 5 feet off the property line
• Requires a landscape buffer of thick shrubs
• The side facing your actual address (your front yard) must still follow the 4-foot height rule

Fence Finish Rules: Face the Right Way

No matter where you build it, Boca Raton requires that the “finished side” of your fence faces the street.

That means no visible posts, rails, or brackets facing the public. If you’re using wood or vinyl, make sure the clean side is outward—it’s like putting your best face forward.

Quick Recap

Here’s a cheat sheet for your front yard fencing:

Need Help Navigating These Rules?

At Top Rail Fence West Palm Beach, we install fences every day in Boca Raton and know the local codes inside and out. Whether you’re on a corner lot, near a busy road, or want to add privacy without breaking the rules, we’ve got you covered.

Call us at (561) 847-3444 or email westpalmbeach@toprailfence.com to schedule a free fence consultation. Or click here for more info about the codes.

Based on City of Boca Raton Code of Ordinances Sec. 28-1356. Always consult the city for the most up-to-date rules.