Bonita Springs Community Development Department

Final Survey requirements for fence permits: Effective immediately fences permits will require a final survey to verify that development has been completed in accordance with the approved site plan for land development code compliance.  

Fences may be constructed near rear and side property lines. While not required, a minimum setback of six (6) inches from the rear and side property line is strongly recommended to ensure that no portion of the structure or footing(s) encroach onto another property.  All fence and post embedment material must remain entirely within the property boundaries. Fences located within the front yard setback must comply with the setback requirements established by the Land Development Code (LDC).  

To ensure fences are constructed in accordance with approved plans and remain within the property boundary, all fence permits will now require the submittal and approval of a Final Survey prior to scheduling a final inspection.

Once the Final Survey has been accepted and all required inspections have been approved, the permit status will be updated to Final, and the permit will be eligible for closure.

NOTICE — Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) impact fee increases: The City of Bonita Springs collects and remits Fire and EMS impact fees in accordance with LDC Chapter 2, Article VII, Division 5 – Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Impact Fee(opens in a new tab).

Amendments to the Fire and EMS impact fees were adopted by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on February 3, 2026. The first scheduled increase will take effect on May 4, 2026, with additional incremental increases occurring annually through May 4, 2029.

To review the updated fees, view the Agenda Item Report(opens in a new tab).

Building permit fee schedule: Effective January 1, 2026, a new Building Permit fee schedule will be implemented. Building Permit applications submitted before this date will be assessed using the current fee schedule. Click to view the new fee schedule.

Permitting: Have a question about permitting? You can now leave us a voicemail at (239) 444‑6145, and a staff member will return your call as soon as possible.

Permit Portal: You can now apply for Trade Mechanical Permits(opens in a new tab) through the Permit Portal. All other permit types and licenses must still be submitted in person or email the Community Development Department | Opens Email, if accepted. Need assistance? Access the Permit Portal FAQs and how‑to guides by clicking the link.

Hurricane fee waivers: Beginning February 1, 2025, permit fees for Hurricane related repairs will no longer be waived. Permits submitted after January 31, 2025 will be charged the full permit fee.

Permits required before rebuilding: If your home was damaged by Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby, contact your community’s local floodplain manager or building and permitting departments to determine what steps you’ll need to take before starting repairs. Click to see the permits required before building (English version of permit requirements and Spanish version of permit requirements).

City Beach and Dune Permit: A City Beach and Dune Permit is now required for any additions or changes to private property seaward of the 1978 Coastal Construction Control Line. This permit is required by the Land Development Code Chapter 7 Article II. Sea Turtles Section 7-52, which was approved by the City Council in Ordinance No. 23‑08(opens in a new tab) on June 21, 2023.

The permit enhances existing regulatory requirements and protects sea turtle nesting habitat. There is no permit fee at this time. Please click for the Beach and Dune permit application.

A permit is required for additions and changes to the sandy beach area such as, but not limited to, landscaping, irrigation, dune restoration, decks, and other minor structuresTitle XI Chapter 151 of Florida statues(opens in a new tab). All plans will be required to comply with all applicable Land Development Code, State, and Federal requirements.

Sea turtle lighting standards requirement: Applications for any building permit on the barrier islands which includes Little Hickory Island, Big Hickory Island, and Black Island, which require a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance, as applicable under the provisions of the building code involving outdoor lighting or glass that may produce or cause to produce artificial light directly, indirectly, or cumulatively visible from any portion of the beach, must fully complete the following document. Failure to do so will delay the permit issuance process.

For additional information, please review the Sea Turtle Lighting Verification form and Sea Turtle Ordinance(opens in a new tab).