Fencing
August 2025
Planning to install a fence on your property? Whether it’s for privacy, security, or for any other reason, an application to the Department of Planning will be needed. This Guidance Note explains when and how to apply for approval to install a fence.
Do I need permission to build a fence?
Yes. All fences require a building permit, and in some cases, planning permission as well. The type of application you’ll need depends mostly on the height of the fence and where your property is located.
How high can my fence be?
You can propose a fence of any height, but here’s how height affects the approval process:
✅ Fences no higher than 4 Feet (48”) above the adjacent grade are normally considered ‘permitted development’ under the Development and Planning (General Development) Order 1999 (the ‘GDO’). Therefore, you do not need to obtain full planning permission unless:
o your property is listed;
o your property is located within a Historic Protection Area;
o the fencing would be located within a Conservation Zone (i.e. a Woodland Reserve or Agricultural Reserve); or
o the fencing would be located within a Nature Reserve or Coastal Reserve Conservation Base Zone.
The Department of Planning’s zoning map can be used to ascertain the above. Other than the exceptions noted above, you will need to apply for either a Residential or Commercial Permitted Development Permit (PDP), depending on your property type.
⚠️ Fences over 4 Feet (48”), as well as any fence under 4 feet which fall within one of the four categories set out above, will require:
o A planning application, and
o A building permit if planning permission is granted.
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted through the Department of Planning Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.
👉 Don’t forget: You must have a registered account on the CSS before submitting.
What should I include in my application?
Please refer to the Department’s Guide to Submitting Planning Applications if an application for planning permission is needed.
For building permit applications, if the fence is a part of a larger project, submission drawings, details and specifications should follow the guidance set out in Section 34 – Appendix A of the Bermuda Residential Building Code 2014/25.
Applications for fences only (PDPs & Building Permits) must include the following (drawings shown are for illustrative purposes only).
1. Permit description
Provide details of the extent of the fence.
Example: “Maximum 4’ high wood fence along north and west boundaries”
2. Location Plan
o An area plan of the site showing roads, access points and neighbouring properties, including a north arrow
o The boundary of the subject property must be outlined in red
3. Site Plan (to scale)
o Property boundaries and dimensions (outlined in red)
o Exact location and layout of the proposed fence
o Dimensions between fence corners, in feet and inches
4. Fence Construction Detail
o Height of fence in feet and inches
o Size and spacing of posts in feet and inches
o Details of top and bottom rails
o Fence type (chain link, wood picket, etc.)
o Method of securing poles in the ground (including depth)
For detailed submission requirements, refer to Section 34 – Appendix A of the Bermuda Residential Building Code 2014/25.
Letters of objection and/or representation should be emailed to planningfrontdesk@gov.bm referencing the PLAN or SUB number in the subject line.