There are common standards all across the United States that need followed to ensure a smooth fence installation process. Regulations are mostly put in place due to safety concerns, so it is in your best interest, as well as the community, to follow them appropriately. Property owners that do not follow protocol can be subject to fines, or even forced to remove or relocate portions of an existing fence.
It is common for a city to require a zoning permit for the construction of the fence. Prices and information included with the application will vary from location to location. Have a few things prepared before applying for a fencing permit.
Most height requirements are between 4-6 feet. Front yard fences will often have a shorter limit than back and side yard fences. If you live on a corner lot, or another area where your back or side lot line is within your neighbor’s front setback, your fence may be limited to their properties restrictions as well.
Potentially dangerous or defensive designs, such as electrically charged fences and barbed wire, are restricted on residential properties. Some areas may also limit certain materials. Keep in mind Homeowners Associations and similar groups may also have influence on your design to make sure it matches the overall neighborhood design.
Place your fence entirely on your property if you do not want to partner with a neighbor in construction. Most locations will require your fence to be a set distance from the property line.
Utilities can be hidden underground, and their locations need marked before fence installation, so no construction interferes with important electrical/plumbing lines or even natural drainage. The installer of the fence will be liable for potential damages.
Public easements can be home to important city property or utilities. When building a fence in one of these locations, additional measures will need to be taken. Often public easements such as sidewalks cannot be blocked in any circumstance, but for utility easements your city may allow you to have a fence with accessible gates.
If you live on a corner lot, it is important that you do not interfere with the vision of oncoming vehicles. Some areas do not allow fences near a corner at all, others may just have additional restrictions on design opacity. Most allow an opacity up to 75%, but others only allow it to be 50% opaque.
Most areas require a protective fence surrounding a pool for child safety. This includes standards on height, latches, hinges, material and design. In most areas the minimum height will be 4 feet and will need to be kept locked whenever it is not in use. Three feet from the water’s edge should also be planned.
A boundary fence is placed directly on the property line between neighbors. Shared property means shared responsibility towards maintenance. Make sure to approach neighbors respectfully and open to their design opinion. You will need to create a written agreement with your neighbor concerning future cost and labor responsibilities.