Fences

[JCheatham62@gmail.com]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet

[JohnN]

I'm unaware of anyone that installed a fence. The Villages used to highly discourage it. There are veranda homes and courtyard villas that have a pre-installed fence during construction, that's the way to go as I see it. Good luck on your search.

[villagetinker]

In general, fences are not allowed, you can call Community Standards (ARC) 352-751-3912 and ask. From what I have seen there were only a few areas where fences were allowed, and these were installed when the house was built. If you absolutely need to have dogs fenced, you may be limited to Court Yard Villas.
Now your other concern is that we have predators here, and dogs, especially small ones can easily be attacked. Also if your plan is for a doggie door for your dogs to go in and out, this will also allow other small animals to do the same.
Please keep all of this in mind with your home decision.

[Bjeanj]

Each district has its own restrictions. Most of them are the same, with a few minor exceptions. You’ve got a couple of options.
1) go to VCDD What's Happening (https://www.districtgov.org/happening/index.aspx) and look up each district’s restriction.
2) ask your realtor what district your prospective home is in and look up the restrictions (dont rely on realtor’s word as to what is allowed).
3) utilize an invisible fence, which is allowed in all districts, as they are below ground.

I will note that most areas do not allow fences, as villagetinker has mentioned. Depending on the size of your dogs, they could be considered prey by the wildlife here, and should not be left outside alone. In some cases, they should not be in your yard without a leash. That’s because you’ll be able to pull them away from wildlife that tries to grab them.

[Joe V.]

In general, fences are not allowed, you can call Community Standards (ARC) 352-751-3912 and ask. From what I have seen there were only a few areas where fences were allowed, and these were installed when the house was built. If you absolutely need to have dogs fenced, you may be limited to Court Yard Villas.
Now your other concern is that we have predators here, and dogs, especially small ones can easily be attacked. Also if your plan is for a doggie door for your dogs to go in and out, this will also allow other small animals to do the same.
Please keep all of this in mind with your home decision.

I have had dog doors for over 40 years, here, in SW Florida and Texas. Only my dogs ever went in and out of them. Maybe my houses were an exception.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Court Yard Villas and Veranda models have fences, and are mostly the house of choice for pet owners that want to let them out.

[PugMom]

I'm unaware of anyone that installed a fence. The Villages used to highly discourage it. There are veranda homes and courtyard villas that have a pre-installed fence during construction, that's the way to go as I see it. Good luck on your search.

dittos, we are not allowed to fence in an area that didn't come equipped with one. i know, because i had the same issues. best bet is to check out the courtyard villas that already come with an enclosed yard. some are just beautiful!

[PugMom]

I have had dog doors for over 40 years, here, in SW Florida and Texas. Only my dogs ever went in and out of them. Maybe my houses were an exception.

i'd say Yes, because some of the homes are near wildlife preserves. anything & everything can have access to your doggie door. :shocked:

[Michread]

I suggest you contact a knowledgeable Villages sale rep. - warning not all of them are knowledgeable.

In Bradford, there are some areas and lots that you can install a preapproved fence. When looking at homes with our dog, we were shown the fence that was approved and which homes were allowed to have them installed at a later date.

[Joe V.]

i'd say Yes, because some of the homes are near wildlife preserves. anything & everything can have access to your doggie door. :shocked:



In TX I lived out on the prairie and it had an abundance of small critters, from p. dogs to armadillos to coyote, etc. Not even a chupacabra tried getting in. A snake came in through an open upstairs window once. Nothing came in the dog door. In Port Charlotte we backed on a virtually virgin preserve on a canal. That area was loaded with wildlife. Not one living thing came in the dog door except my dogs. An entrance by another animal is possible, I agree. However my neighbors and I, in both places we lived, never had one creature trespasser other than salesmen. The dogs love the doors and so do I.

[Bogie Shooter]

In TX I lived out on the prairie and it had an abundance of small critters, from p. dogs to armadillos to coyote, etc. Not even a chupacabra tried getting in. A snake came in through an open upstairs window once. Nothing came in the dog door. In Port Charlotte we backed on a virtually virgin preserve on a canal. That area was loaded with wildlife. Not one living thing came in the dog door except my dogs. An entrance by another animal is possible, I agree. However my neighbors and I, in both places we lived, never had one creature trespasser other than salesmen. The dogs love the doors and so do I.

Are you living in The Villages now?

[Joe V.]

Are you living in The Villages now?

I am.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet
fences are no allowed anywhere in the Villages... however, a court yard villa would be perfect.... it has enclosed back yard , I think cement 6' tall, perfect for privacy and your fur baby... they come all sizes.

[Djean1981]

I believe you are better off buying a home in a village with fences. We are in the Hawkins, where there are fences (provided with the house). We love it. The are others areas with fences as well, probably the newer areas in the South. A realtor will know which village communities have fences.

[DAVES]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet

I do not own a dog but have in the past. Truth it is easier to spoil other people's dogs and leave them with all the problems.

Not sure I believe in reincarnation however if it is true i want to be reincarnated as a villagers dog. You will know it is me because there is no way I will get in one of those strollers. The outfits-forget about it. As to can you. Reality, the regulations are not the same in every village. The sales people. Real estate law is interesting. Only things in writing are binding.

You are not the first to question. I suggest asking in the Villages offices. They are not only helpful but will either have your answer or tell you who to ask

[thevillages2013]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet
There are cottage/ranch and designer homes in Pine Hills village with fenced backyards so you are not limited to courtyard or veranda. Chances are that if it doesn’t have a fence you can’t build one. Be careful on just taking the word of a real estate agent. They may tell you that you can and they will show up to dig the holes for you to get you under contract

[jack.hunter00@yahoo.com]

No fence.

Invisible fence only.

Maybe a Courtyard Villa would be better choice

[DaleDivine]

I have had dog doors for over 40 years, here, in SW Florida and Texas. Only my dogs ever went in and out of them. Maybe my houses were an exception.

I too have had a doggy door for years with no critters coming in except the ones our dogs and cat brought in.
We live in a CY villa now with a doggy door and our Jack Russell goes in and out all day with no worries. Plussss, she USES OUR BACK YARD TO DO HER BUSINESS. Not the neighborhood yards.
Get a CY villa or a Veranda with a fence preinstalled.
:ho::ho:

[Papa_lecki]

We have a dog. When we were looking to buy, we thought about a fence. Now that we are here, don’t need one. Honestly, it is too hot to leave the dog outside during the summer.

[Ptmckiou]

Lots of new houses South of 44 have fenced yards. The large ones called Verandas and the smaller ones are Courtyard Villas.

Above highway 44 the only ones I’m aware fenced are the small Courtyard Villas.

You are not allowed to put in a fence. Only when a house is constructed is a fence put in, so you have to find a resale of a courtyard villa or go to the new area where there are lots of fenced yards.

[nativetex]

I have a dog and moving to The Villages on September 1. I had two realtors tell me the Villa homes are the only ones allowed to have fences. My neighborhood has brown vinyl fencing. My Labrador must have a fence so I bought a Villa.

[Lindaws]

Only invisible fences allowed.

[Dlbonivich]

If it is there you can have it. The homes that are allowed a fence are built with one.

[Jayeagley56]

Or Verandas

[richs631]

If the house doesn’t have a pre installed fence 99% sure you ain’t getting a fence

[Pachine58]

Just moved here and had same dilemma. Most new houses if you can find one have the 3 foot fences or you need to get a patio villa. So we instead bought the house we loved and put in invisible fence. Cost around 2 grand, works fantastic

[butlerism]

You mentioned another point.
Only one dog per household s allowed.
Not two.
You will need to cover that as well.

[JSR22]

You mentioned another point.
Only one dog per household s allowed.
Not two.
You will need to cover that as well.

2 dogs are allowed in most of the CDD.

[capgeo]

Too many rules, many are ridiculous and before you buy in tv maybe you should think it over. Great place for many BUT not so great for others. If you are an avid golfer and are going to use all the amenities maybe it’s for you. I moved here 3 years ago from CT and after renting for 3 months and learning the rules and getting familiar with the area I decided to buy a home about 15 minutes away from tv. When I factored in the hoa fees for many things I didn’t need or want and all the rules I bought a home for a bit more but no rules or hoa. You have a big decision so make sure you weigh all your options. Good luck.

[joelfmi]

Having done my due diligence using talk of the Villages form. I would advise you before you buy check out what owner have said about living here especially rentals, golf, weather, bugs, traffic, and being the friendly's town on this form, you would be surprised.

[capgeo]

In TX I lived out on the prairie and it had an abundance of small critters, from p. dogs to armadillos to coyote, etc. Not even a chupacabra tried getting in. A snake came in through an open upstairs window once. Nothing came in the dog door. In Port Charlotte we backed on a virtually virgin preserve on a canal. That area was loaded with wildlife. Not one living thing came in the dog door except my dogs. An entrance by another animal is possible, I agree. However my neighbors and I, in both places we lived, never had one creature trespasser other than salesmen. The dogs love the doors and so do I.

The person that posted putting fear into these people that are considering tv. Very unlikely any critters coming thru the doggie door to worry about

[JCheatham62@gmail.com]

Thank you all for the wonderful and informative feedback ! We have friends who live in TV and we have visited numerous times. We have two dogs, 80lb and 45lb who hate the hot weather so we are looking at all options.

This forum rocks !!

[kendi]

Each district has its own restrictions. Most of them are the same, with a few minor exceptions. You’ve got a couple of options.
1) go to VCDD What's Happening (https://www.districtgov.org/happening/index.aspx) and look up each district’s restriction.
2) ask your realtor what district your prospective home is in and look up the restrictions (dont rely on realtor’s word as to what is allowed).
3) utilize an invisible fence, which is allowed in all districts, as they are below ground.

I will note that most areas do not allow fences, as villagetinker has mentioned. Depending on the size of your dogs, they could be considered prey by the wildlife here, and should not be left outside alone. In some cases, they should not be in your yard without a leash. That’s because you’ll be able to pull them away from wildlife that tries to grab them.

Agree! Fence or not never leave your pet outside alone. Even large ones. In addition to predictors there are snakes, fire ants and poisonous frogs. Bobcats and coyotes can get over the villa walls. Alligators have been known to crawl under the gates.

[Kathy Lou]

Some homes in the newer neighborhoods have fences (south of ) 44
Call The Villages Property office

[Hackercraft]

I f you want a fenced in yard the only way to get it with a reasonable amount of space for your dogs is a Veranda. We live in the Monarch Grove Verandas and virtually everyone has a dog. All here are dog friendly and pick up after their fur children.

[DonnaNi4os]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet

You are a prime candidate for a villa. The walls and fences are perfect for dogs and chances are you will be surrounded by fellow dog lovers. Good luck with your search. Welcome to The Villages.

[Spalumbos62]

You mentioned another point.
Only one dog per household s allowed.
Not two.
You will need to cover that as well.


You are allowed 2 dogs, even 3 when you arrive with them, once one passes then only 2.

[airstreamingypsy]

I'm amazed by the different answers you got. "No where in TV can you have a fence" That's not true. "You can only have one dog" That's not true. "If you use a doggy door wild animals will come in." That could be true, I have one and it hasn't happened yet. Your biggest concern with a yard is, if you have bite size dogs, Hawks, Eagles, Bobcats, Owls, Coyotes and Panthers are roaming around looking for a snack. If you have big dogs, that can take a Coyote or Bobcat..... no worries. If you have bite size dogs you really do need to be out with them, when they are out. A Coyote vest is a good idea too.

[crash]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet

Definitely can not install a fence. There are homes with fences like a courtyard villa and veranda homes that were built fenced.

[Keninches]

I suggest you contact a knowledgeable Villages sale rep. - warning not all of them are knowledgeable.

In Bradford, there are some areas and lots that you can install a preapproved fence. When looking at homes with our dog, we were shown the fence that was approved and which homes were allowed to have them installed at a later date.
Good luck. Things change and people complain. When someone in your neighborhood sends an anonymous complaint rules change. Beware.

[Keninches]

2 dogs are allowed in most of the CDD.
That too is questionable. If someone complains it could be a problem and brought before the CDD rules for your district.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Too many rules, many are ridiculous and before you buy in tv maybe you should think it over. Great place for many BUT not so great for others. If you are an avid golfer and are going to use all the amenities maybe it’s for you. I moved here 3 years ago from CT and after renting for 3 months and learning the rules and getting familiar with the area I decided to buy a home about 15 minutes away from tv. When I factored in the hoa fees for many things I didn’t need or want and all the rules I bought a home for a bit more but no rules or hoa. You have a big decision so make sure you weigh all your options. Good luck.

We moved from Connecticut just under three years ago and I told hubby the only way he'd get me to live in Florida AT ALL was if it was in the Villages. Florida is a cesspool. The Villages at least has plenty to do, a beautiful environment, and the whole golf cart to everywhere thing makes it fun. The amenity fee is only $157/month, which is a lot less than the HOA fees everywhere else. With that $157/month I can choose which pool I want to go to, enjoy the archery range, play basketball, take the golf cart almost everywhere, take a dog to the dog park, shoot pool at the tables in any rec center that has them, and join any of over 3000 clubs - many of which are free and most under $10/year to join.

You won't get any of that at a community that has no amenity fee or HOA.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That too is questionable. If someone complains it could be a problem and brought before the CDD rules for your district.

It wouldn't be a problem. If you bring more animals than are allowed, you're simply not allowed to replace the extra ones when they die. Some areas allow 2, some 1.

[JSR22]

That too is questionable. If someone complains it could be a problem and brought before the CDD rules for your district.

The one dog rule is in te historic section.

[DonnaNi4os]

The person that posted putting fear into these people that are considering tv. Very unlikely any critters coming thru the doggie door to worry about

3 years with a doggie door, never had a problem in my courtyard villa. Perhaps you might if your yard isn’t enclosed. I do get bunnies in my yard, they dig under the fence, but none have ever hopped through my doggie door.

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

I just happen to be selling a lovey villa which is is completely enclosed by fence. It is perfect for a dog. Call Michelle 718-213-0808. I will send photos and more info information if you are still interested.

[joenrose2003]

You can have an electric fence installed. We have one and it is great for keeping our pooch in the yard.

[Michread]

Definitely can not install a fence. There are homes with fences like a courtyard villa and veranda homes that were built fenced.

You can install a fence in The Villages in some neighborhoods on certain lots. Go to Bradford yourself and see!

[Doris Marie]

[Perhaps an alligator or snake would like to enter via your doggie door? We do have them in THE VILLAGES. A COURTYARD VILLA sounds like a good option for you.

[Velvet]

There are pet doors that only work with a collar.


“HOW DOES THE SOLO PET DOOR WORK? Your pet wears a small magnetic (no batteries) called a Pet Tag, that is key ringed to the pet's collar buckle. When your pet moves in front of the pet door (3 feet away), the Pet Tag will trigger the pet door to open automatically! You can control how far away the door opens.”

Worked for 3 cats up north. Unless the snake etc is wearing a tag it doesn’t come in.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

...

[gator17]

Learn Florida law - if it is 90 degrees or above or if there is a heat advisory it is illegal to leave your dog outside! It is also inhumane. They can't handle heat as their normal body temperature 101.5⁰-102.5⁰ and heat exhaustion/heat stroke can come on rapidly. Leaving a dog outside in Florida heat and humidity is just insane.

[Joe V.]

Learn Florida law - if it is 90 degrees or above or if there is a heat advisory it is illegal to leave your dog outside! It is also inhumane. They can't handle heat as their normal body temperature 101.5⁰-102.5⁰ and heat exhaustion/heat stroke can come on rapidly. Leaving a dog outside in Florida heat and humidity is just insane.

Where did you read on this thread anyone stating they would leave their dog outside in extreme heat?

[Velvet]

And you could lock pet door when it is too hot or at night. Collar does not work.

[Mistymom]

Learn Florida law - if it is 90 degrees or above or if there is a heat advisory it is illegal to leave your dog outside! It is also inhumane. They can't handle heat as their normal body temperature 101.5⁰-102.5⁰ and heat exhaustion/heat stroke can come on rapidly. Leaving a dog outside in Florida heat and humidity is just insane.

I don't know Florida law and I don't know how it pertains to cats, but I know that when my kitty has been on our lanai for a couple of hours in a high heat index, her fur is very cool and she doesn't show any signs of heat distress! She does like to lie on the concrete floor, in the shade and we provide her with plenty of water.

She loves to be inside/outside, both day and night. I've heard that you shouldn't even leave your animals on your lanai at night, but we live in a Designer Home in Pine Hills with a fence!

[Mistymom]

Please talk to your agent, either a Villages agent or outside agent. We moved here recently and one of our criteria was to have privacy in our backyard. Our agent was an outside agent and was able to come up with a beautiful 4 year old Designer Home (Veranda) in Pine Hills with a fence, which is very close to 466A from the MLS.
Several neighborhoods have these, not just the new ones south of 44 which are not villas.

BTW, we were working with BOTH an outside and a Villages agent because we were also in a time crunch.

[thevillages2013]

Thank you all for the wonderful and informative feedback ! We have friends who live in TV and we have visited numerous times. We have two dogs, 80lb and 45lb who hate the hot weather so we are looking at all options.

This forum rocks !!
I read all the comments here and the majority don’t know what they are talking about. I hope you find a nice home here

[Jheath]

When we moved here 18 years ago we installed an invisible (underground) fence. We used Dog Watch. It worked well for our golden retriever. She had the freedom to walk around the yard while being safe.

[Beach Boy]

Try the Village of Hemingway most ranch homes there have fences. Most other villages don't allow fences.

[DaleDivine]

Lots of new houses South of 44 have fenced yards. The large ones called Verandas and the smaller ones are Courtyard Villas.

Above highway 44 the only ones I’m aware fenced are the small Courtyard Villas.

You are not allowed to put in a fence. Only when a house is constructed is a fence put in, so you have to find a resale of a courtyard villa or go to the new area where there are lots of fenced yards.

Not all of the CYV's are small. Some are around 2400 sq. ft. under air...

[DaleDivine]

Just moved here and had same dilemma. Most new houses if you can find one have the 3 foot fences or you need to get a patio villa. So we instead bought the house we loved and put in invisible fence. Cost around 2 grand, works fantastic

Patio villas have the small unconnected fence in the front yard mostly for decoration only. CYV have the taller fences.
We have a CYV and our Jack Russell goes out and lays in the sun. I think it makes her bones and joints feel better. Not usually for over 15 minutes. When she get warm she comes back in. NEVER panting.
:welcome::ho:

[PugMom]

The person that posted putting fear into these people that are considering tv. Very unlikely any critters coming thru the doggie door to worry about

:duck:c'mon now, it's very unlike me to spread fear. all i'm saying is up north my neighbor had a door for her 2 beagles & on several occasions found the neighborhood raccoon eating from the cat bowl. no one was bitten or attacked, no one was hurt. i was just making a comment. thanks

[Rsenholzi]

There are certain areas that have fences - courtyard villas , verandas, etc. they are prebuilt by the builder and I believe those are the only ones allowed. I have 2 large dogs so I wanted a large backyard. If this is the case with you, search out a corner property. I have close to 1/4 acre. I have a dog door and eventually added a bird cage to my cement patio which also has a dog door. My dogs go in and out at leisure. You will get critters despite the 6ft high fence in your backyard. I have had bunnies and I have had opossums ( both a juvenile and mama) . It cost me $200 to remove the juvenile and mama came the following night and was walking on my wall. I have had hawks sitting on my wall also. My dogs were large ( 60 pounds ) so other than the opossums being aggressive they were fine. I was told someone also saw a bobcat on my front lawn one night right after I moved in 5 years ago. I can hear coyotes in the distance at night. There have been ducks that have gotten lost in the villa area and had to be guided out because the babies couldn’t fly yet. So as you can see, they are still active with wildlife- some predators , some not . My advice- look for a corner courtyard villa ( my home is 2200 sq ft because a added a room and quite large )

[torchy]

I know for certain, in the village of Bradford at least, homes were definitely sold with the option of installing a pre-approved 3’ fence at a later date. So those kinds of homes do exist. Now where to find that info, aside from taking the word of a realtor?…no clue.

[cj1040]

Get a villa if u want a fenced yard...otherwise not allowed

[chasandvalr]

I'm unaware of anyone that installed a fence. The Villages used to highly discourage it. There are veranda homes and courtyard villas that have a pre-installed fence during construction, that's the way to go as I see it. Good luck on your search.

Fences are not "discouraged" they are not permitted in most areas. Look around - if you don't see any, take a hint. I think the courtyard villas are the exception.

[Villages Kahuna]

I’d recommend installing an “electric fence”. Once installed, you temporarily put a collar on your dog which gives them a small shock when they come close to the “fence”. During that training period you also put little white flags where the fence has been buried. Your dog will quickly learn not to go over or even come close to the little flags marking your fence. After a few weeks you can remove both the flags and the collar—your dog will be trained.

My son installed electric fences at both his home and summer cottage. He has two VERY active Australian Shepards. They constantly race around chasing each other and now trained, NEVER escape the invisibly fenced yard.

[zmannscz]

I’d recommend installing an “electric fence”. Once installed, you temporarily put a collar on your dog which gives them a small shock when they come close to the “fence”. During that training period you also put little white flags where the fence has been buried. Your dog will quickly learn not to go over or even come close to the little flags marking your fence. After a few weeks you can remove both the flags and the collar—your dog will be trained.

My son installed electric fences at both his home and summer cottage. He has two VERY active Australian Shepards. They constantly race around chasing each other and now trained, NEVER escape the invisibly fenced yard.

Is ARC approval required for the invisible fence? Or can it just be installed?

[John Mayes]

It wouldn't be a problem. If you bring more animals than are allowed, you're simply not allowed to replace the extra ones when they die. Some areas allow 2, some 1.

District 13 has no limits on the number of domestic pets. As far as I know, it is the only district that doesn’t limit the number.

[yankygrl]

District 13 has no limits on the number of domestic pets. As far as I know, it is the only district that doesn’t limit the number.
There is supposedly a limit on pets BUT I have never seen it enforced where I live (both in district 8 and 10). But watch out for the unanimous complainer

[Road-Runner]

I suggest you contact a knowledgeable Villages sale rep. - warning not all of them are knowledgeable.

In Bradford, there are some areas and lots that you can install a preapproved fence. When looking at homes with our dog, we were shown the fence that was approved and which homes were allowed to have them installed at a later date.

Interesting, are those the 3 ft (or so) white picket fences I see behind some homes in Bradford? If that's the tallest they can be my two pups would love (jumping over) them.

[Carlsondm]

My husband and I are looking to find a home in The Villages in the next 30 days. Where can I find information on whether or not we can have a fence installed in the back yard for our two dogs ?

Thank you,
Janet
Check with The Villages, perhaps the Architectural Review Board. They may have preapproved fences for your area,
The other option is adding a birdcage with concrete and grass areas. I understand that once your birdcage is approved, changes inside the bird cage no longer need ARC approval. You could even put a fence inside the bird cage if needed. That would be much safer for your pets, especially if they are small.

[THUNDERCHIEF]

I do not think the villages will allow you to put up a fence for the dogs. Cdc controls most of that kind of thing. , ask a villages real estate person about it. They will get you a answer.

[Kelevision]

Get a villa if u want a fenced yard...otherwise not allowed

Not all villas have fences. Only courtyard villas. Also, any cottage homes that have a V next to the model has a fence but I haven’t seen any of those in a few months.

[CitizenKK]

The comfort of the lazy and stupid are dependent upon those who bust tail for a living.....Mrk