Common Questions

Fences,Hedges and Walls

Properly installed fences and hedges can enhance the beauty of your lot, while at the same time providing privacy and security.  The Three Oaks HOA has specific rules that residents need to be aware of when installing fences or planting hedges.  While this article provides summary information, homeowner should read the full text of the HOA regulation before beginning a project to install a fence, hedge or wall on their property.  

In addition to the HOA regulation, Sarasota County also has a set or ordinances related to Fences, Hedges and Wall.  For more information, contact the Sarasota County Zoning department at (941) 861-5000.

HOA Rules that Govern Fences, Hedges and Walls

In July of 1997, the original HOA documents included a section that provided for the rules and restrictions related to fence, hedges and walls.  By October 2000, the HOA realized that the original documents did not properly cover specific topics or operational aspects of the association, including the rules related to fences, hedges and walls.  On October 10, 2000, the HOA board approved an amendment to the documents, which includes a re-written section to cover fences, hedges and walls.  This new version completely substitutes the version in the original document.  

Before starting a fence, hedge or wall project, residents should read and review the amended version of Article IV. Paragraph 14., which can be found on page 35 of the PDF file.    

Summary of Fence, Hedges and Wall Rules

This section is a short summary of the HOA rules related to the installation and maintenance of fences, hedges and walls.  This information is meant address many of the common questions homeowners ask.  Residents should use this information as a starting guide, and then read the full text of the HOA Rules related to fence, hedges and walls before starting a project.

Height

The height of fences, hedges and walls are limited to "6 feet in height from the grade established by the developer" and can not be artificially raised by increasing the grade of your lot.

Location

The location of fences, hedges and walls are restricted to the sides and rear of property lots and are not allowed forward of the "front wall of the residence".  For homeowners with corner lots, the setback distance is determined based upon the other wall of the residence on the lot corner.  Lastly, no fence hedge or wall may be maintained within 20 feet of the street.

Lots Adjacent to Lakes

Residents with lots adjacent to a lake are restricted from having a fence, hedge or wall on the rear portion of their lot.  Please review the HOA rules for the specific rules which define the "rear" portion of a lot.

Lots Adjacent to Preservation Area

Residents with lots adjacent to a preservation area are restricted from having a hedge or wall on the rear portion of their lot.  However, residents may install a fence, with the restriction that the fence height is 4 feet or lower. Please review the HOA rules for the specific rules which define the "rear" portion of a lot.

Material

In the case of fences, homeowners are encouraged to use either wood or vinyl fences.  Materials that are not allowed for fences include barbed wire, hog fence, chain link, or other metal fence types.

HOA Approval Process 

While fences, hedges and walls are permitted within Three Oaks, they are subject to the rules within the HOA Declaration of Restrictions and its amendments.  Residents must seek the approval of the HOA Board prior to installation/planting of a fence, hedge or wall.  The goal of the HOA Board is to ensure compliance with the regulations approved by the members, and to prevent lot owners from incurring additional costs to correct issues with height, locations and materials.