Like many things in life, erecting a fence requires obtaining a permit. Where to get it and the process involved can be confusing, particularly for those that are unfamiliar with it.

Many residential permits can be applied for online, depending on the municipality. Other entities may require a written application be submitted in person. The permit will be issued in the name of the homeowner or the contractor. The permit is typically good for 180 days.

Reputable and experienced fence contractors will normally apply for the permit on behalf of the customer. The expense can be anywhere from $150 to $400 and will be included in the cost of the fencing project.

However, there are a number of other issues that come into play when erecting a fence of which individuals may not be aware. There are limits on how tall the fence can be and in many locales the appearance and materials will also come under scrutiny. Contractors may be required to submit a plan of the project detailing where the fence will run.

Installing a fence impacts water and sewer lines, along with phone and electric service. It will be up to the fencing contractor to contact the relevant utilities to ensure the safety of the fencing crew and that the installation doesn’t interfere with the delivery of any of those services.

There will be rules as to how many feet the fence can come within a right of way, easement or corner. Individuals may not be able to have the fence installed directly on their property line. There may be a required set back, meaning the fence will have to be a specified distance from the property line. That will mean a loss of yard space for the fence owner.

Before any of those steps can be taken, home owners will need to know exactly where their property lines are. That can mean having the property surveyed if there hasn’t been a recent survey.

Installing a fence can beautify properties, provide security, deter intruders, and ensure safety for children and pets. Before installing any fencing, it’s critical that individuals know exactly where their property lines run. Failure to do so can lead to fines and an order to remove a newly installed by local governing entities.

Individuals often think they know exactly where their property lines are, but without having it surveyed, there’s no way to be absolutely sure. Subtle variances and errors can be made over time. A survey is absolutely essential for two important reasons. The first is that some jurisdictions allow a fence to be erected directly on a property line.

The second reason is that some locations have a setback rule, stating that a fence has to be established a specific distance away from the property line toward the fence owner’s property That means that individuals could lose up to 12 inches of their property usage due to a setback law. If a fence is installed on any part of a neighbor’s property, the individual erecting the fence will have to move it.

It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fencing company are preferable to a DIY approach. The experts will know the prevailing rules in a particular area. They’ll also know what permits are required and be able to obtain them. Failure to obtain proper permitting can also result in individuals being ordered to remove their fence.

Another consideration are neighbors. In some areas, half of the upkeep and cost of fencing will fall upon the neighbors. It’s a responsibility and cost that many don’t want to incur. Individuals may even need their neighbors’ permission before installing a fence. Neighbors will also have the right to remove branches, bushes and growths that infringe on the fence, even if it’s a prized planting belonging to the fence owner.

If you live in an urban location, you’ll almost certainly need a permit of some sort giving you permission to erect a fence. If you live in an HOA, you’ll typically need additional permissions from the HOA. However, that’s not always true if you live in a rural area. The need for a permit will depend on the zoning and regulations of the city, community or even county in which you live.

While you may want to turn fencing into a DIY project, failure to obtain a required permit or trying to install a fence that exceeds height requirements can land you in serious trouble. The same is true if you don’t observe set back regulations. The body responsible for enforcing codes can make you take the fence down and all of your money, effort and labor will be wasted.

Don’t purchase fencing unless you’ve checked with your local governmental office, HOA, and any neighborhood associations with which you may be affiliated. You may need to provide the city council or other municipal body with a copy of a survey of your property, along with the fence plan and specifications. You’ll also have to pay for the permit.

The beauty of hiring a professional fence installation company is that the experts will be cognizant of the permitting requirements for your area and will usually pull the permit for you. When you’re choosing your fencing, they can advise you on any height, material or other restrictions that are in force. You’ll also need to know where any underground utility lines are located.

If you hire a professional, the cost of the permit will be included in the cost of the fence installation and they’ll often present all the materials to the city council for you. There’s a wide range of requirements and restrictions that may apply, depending on the type of fence material is being used, if the fence is for a residential or commercial property, and if it has a gate with electrical components.

Some domestic animals have a penchant for climbing and it can be extremely difficult to keep them safely within bounds. However, pets aren’t the only animals that individuals have to worry about. A range of wildlife can, and will, climb a fence to get to something they want. That includes alligators, bears, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons and skunks.

The solution to keeping wild animals out of yards, gardens and away from backyard chickens is a fence of at least 6 ft. tall. Chain link works best, but the spacing in the mesh must be small enough to prevent smaller animals from simply squeezing through.

At the top of the fence will be an extension that bends 90 degrees toward the outside of the fence. Wildlife may attempt to climb the fence, but when they reach the 90-degree angle they’re unable to make the physical “flip” necessary to push themselves up and over.

Rollers can also be placed at the top. The rollers prevent an animal from gaining purchase to pull themselves up. They spin, deny the animal traction, and dumps them back on the ground. Installing rollers can be a bit expensive, but they have an attractive appearance. They’re highly effective and provide a non-lethal way of dealing with unwanted wildlife. They’re commonly called coyote rollers.

One area that people typically forget when establishing a no-climb fence is the gate. Wild animals can be far cleverer than people think. They can learn to manipulate latches and closures on fence gates. It’s equally important to ensure that there are no gaps between the gate and fence where animals can wiggle through.

Florida is home to a wealth of wildlife and many species have learned to co-exist in urban environments. Many view dogs, cats and backyard chickens as an easy food source. No-climb fences provide an effective barrier against many species of wildlife, while providing a safe space for pets to play.

It doesn’t matter whether a fence is being installed for privacy, safety, child or pet containment, or aesthetic reasons, it’s essential that the installation be performed by an experienced company that’s fully licensed, bonded and insured. Locating that company can be difficult and the following are some tips for finding an experienced fencing company.

Research

Anyone looking for a fencing professional will need to perform their due diligence. Some red flags to look for include a company that’s recently changed its name and a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that the company has a physical business address.

Recommendations

Ask family, friends and co-workers that have had a fence installed about the company that did the work. Find out if they were happy with the results. Many companies will place a sign on the fence indicating the name of the business that performed the installation. Alternately, individuals may also consider asking the property owner of a recently erected fence about the company and their experience with the installer.

Quotes

Get quotes from at least three fencing companies. The quotes should include the cost, an itemized list of what the company will do, a timeline for completion, the size of the crew required, and when the work will begin.

Services

A professional fencing company will be aware of the ordinances and regulations governing the installation of a fence. Many locales have specific rules regarding the type, color, materials and height of fences. The company will also be able to pull the necessary permits and contact underground utility lines. Each fencing job is different and the company should send a representative to walk the property to be fenced so an accurate estimate can be provided.

Contracts and Warranties

Don’t engage a fencing company without a contract. It should spell out in detail the scope of the project and the terms of payment. Some companies require a down payment or offers payment plans, while others may require half down and the remainder upon completion. Make sure the company provides a warranty on its work, materials, and how disputes are addressed.

Installing a fence around your residential property can bear its fruits of providing security, safety, privacy, and many such things which gives access to having a comfortable suitable life to an individual.  One of the consequences included, when installing a fence around your property, is the dispute with your neighbors as it may prove to be a hard puzzle to solve.

But the revelation is soon to be revealed as the following blog includes the dos and don’ts when it comes to the matter of avoiding neighbor disputes when installing a fence. The following blog highlights the fence etiquettes related to your neighboring commercial property.

Fence etiquette 

Respecting each other boundaries

Respect is only earned when it is given to the party and such a thing can be a great element between two neighbors. Each relationship will be successful when the element of respect is there and it is maintained. Related to the fence when it is bordering one’s neighbor, a property survey should be followed to ensure proper placement.

Following local rules

Rules vary from place to place and someplace may or may not give you the permit of installing a fence, bordering with your neighbors. Some rules may ask you to install the fence with a certain height limit, color, or material. Following the local rules where your residential property is located can prove to be a great strategy to avoid disputes with your neighbor. 

Informing your neighbors

To avoid a dispute with your neighbors when it comes to the moment of installing fences around your property, it is greatly suggested that informing your neighbors would prove to be best as it would give them a moment of heads up and better coordination can be built between the neighbors even though they are separated by a piece of fence. Sometimes it’s not about the quantity but it’s about quality, and a relationship with such a feature can show itself the perfect above all.

Living in the 21st century has its perks and such an era where the action is only legal when it is legally passed over as a bill, being agreed by everyone. Such a role can be implemented when installing a fence as a signed agreement can play its role. No matter how hard it may get in the future, such proofs can give you validation as a way of having rights in such an era.

Erecting a fence can beautify and add value to homes and businesses. Installing a fence can provide safety, security and privacy. A fence is beneficial for discouraging the neighbor’s weeds from encroaching on the property, keeping out wildlife, concealing unattractive features, and delineating property boundaries. Bear in mind that local laws may dictate that an individual consults with their neighbors before erecting a fence.

Land Limits

Even if an individual has a plat map or legal description of their property, it will probably provide little assistance in determining exactly where their property lines are since most people won’t be able to convert those descriptions into the physicality of their land.

It doesn’t matter whether individuals are performing a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional fence installer. Without an accurate and very recent survey, individuals could easily discover that they’ve erected their fence on the neighbor’s property. Many fence installers won’t even attempt to erect a fence without a survey.

Improper Materials

Municipalities typically have rules and regulations about fences, including their height the appearance of the gate, and the type of materials from which they can be constructed. Those rules can be especially stringent for those governed by an HOA.

Consequences

Erecting a fence on the neighbor’s property will have consequences. Individuals will be required to engage in the very costly removal of the fence. Any attachments or structures that encroach of the property line as a result of the misplaced fence will also need to be removed such as children’s playsets, greenhouses, gardens, a treehouse or swimming pool, and patios or decks.

Litigation

Depending on the neighbor’s mood and the individual’s relationship with them, overstepping the bounds of the property can result in an expensive lawsuit. It will still end with the removal of the fence and any other installations that are on the neighbor’s land. Individuals may also face fines from the local government entity.

There’s no “right” fence height, but it’s important that you know why you’re installing a fence. Most people install a fence for safety, security or privacy. Others want to establish a boundary between their property and their neighbor. No matter the reason for the fence, there are some mitigating circumstances that can curtail the height of the fence you want.

Anyone that’s governed by a homeowner’s association (HOA) will need to check with the organization first. HOAs have very strict rules about the height, type and materials for fencing, if it’s allowed at all. The second obstacle could be local governmental regulations that limit the height of a fence and how it must be erected. For instance, stockade fencing must be installed with the “pretty” side out.

Boundaries

Fencing for boundary lines can range from 3 to 6 feet in height. Some homeowners choose to have a 3-ft. fence in front with a 6-ft. fence for the back of the property for added privacy. In many locales, your neighbor may have to approve the fence and its height prior to installation.

Privacy

If privacy is your primary goal, you’ll need a fence of at least 6-ft. in height. That height is sufficient to prevent passing strangers and nosy neighbors from peering in. For the ultimate in privacy, fences are available in heights of 7-8 ft. However, obtaining approval for a fence that tall may prove difficult.

Unwanted Intruders

A 6-ft. fence is typically tall enough to discourage most forms of wildlife. The exception to that would be deer that are capable of jumping an 8-ft. fence. Keeping humans out of your yard is a little more difficult. A 6-ft. fence will usually discourage a casual intruder, while a motivated burglar may not be so easily deterred even by an 8-ft. fence. For those instances, spikes and similar embellishments can be added to the top.

Kids and Pets

Anyone with children or pets know how quickly they can go over or under a barrier. Never underestimate a youngster’s ability to climb and crawl. To keep young children in, a 4-ft. fence will suffice, but to prevent contact with passersby, choose a 6-ft. fence. This is also true for canines – they can jump over, crawl under, slip between pickets, and even crawl up the fence if they can get a toe-hold. Make sure a self-locking secure gate is included in the design and specially designed barriers for small dogs and puppies.

Pools and Gardens

A 4-ft. fence is typically sufficient for gardens to keep out rabbits and other wildlife and regulations usually stipulate a 4-ft. fence for pools. Other safety measures will be mandated for pool fences and height from the ground.

Individuals have so many options to think about and consider when they decide to install a fence – and soil type typically isn’t one of them. The truth is that the type of soil will have a definite impact on the installation process of any fence. It’s just one of the many reasons that professional fence installers typically like to perform an on-site examination of the area to be fenced.

Florida has many different types of soil and they can vary significantly over relatively small areas. Professional fencers typically set fence posts in concrete, but it’s important for individuals to understand the soils involved and how it will impact the cost and time it will take to erect the fence.

Clay

Soil comprised of clay is often likened to concrete when its dry. Clay soils are dense, difficult to work with, but tend to hold fence posts solidly in place. It may need to be moistened to make it malleable to digging. The problem with clay is that it tends to shrink when it dries out and that can affect the appearance of the fence.

Sand

A soil with a high concentration of sand is far from ideal for installing a fence. The only real solution for erecting a fence in sandy soil is to embed fence posts in concrete.

Rock and Gravel

A certain amount of rocks and gravel in the soil can aid in providing stability to a fence. However, it’s a soil type that adds an extra level of difficulty when digging fence post holes, even for powered post hole diggers.

Silt

This soil type is very easy to work with for installation. However, it can cause substantial problems when it becomes saturated after heavy rains. Silt can take on a more fluid consistency that doesn’t bode well for fence stability.

Peat

Individuals that have peaty soil or reside near areas that tend to be wet or damp may experience a lot of difficulty when installing a fence. The soil provides little support and even concrete footings for fence posts may not be sufficient.

Erecting a fence on your property is more complicated than you may anticipate. There are legal regulations that must be adhered to and permits that will be required. However, the process of installing a fence all begins with knowing the exact location of your property lines.

Installing a fence without knowing where your property lines are can result in legal action by adjacent land owners. Without that knowledge, you can easily find yourself responsible for removing and relocating your freshly erected fence. It can also affect your ability to insure your home.

Check Your Deed

The deed to your property will have a legal description of your property and its boundaries. Older deeds may not include the information and will refer you to an older document. However, older documents may reference landmarks or other features that don’t exist any longer.

Plat Map

A plat map is a document that defines property lines and includes data about structures, elevations, and bodies of water. A plat map may be included as part of your deed and if not, you can view it at the city or county assessor’s office or online in some locales.

Perform a Survey

One of the easiest ways to determine exactly where your property lines are is to have a new survey performed. It’s a very precise measurement that identifies where all existing boundaries are located. The cost of a survey will vary among companies licensed to do the task.

Stakes and Markers

When a survey of your property was made, the survey company will have left a wooden stake or metal marker to mark the boundaries. If that marker is still available, you can tell where your property lines lie. The markers may be flush with the ground or sticking up several inches above the ground.