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.

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.

A homeowner’s association (HOA) can be a blessing or a distinct disadvantage, depending upon what it is that an individual wants to do with their property. For those that desire uniformity, an HOA provides very specific rules about every aspect of the home and surrounding environment. For individuals that want a little more leeway in what’s in their yard, fencing panels are the ideal solution for concealing things of which an HOA may not approve.

There are many things that an HOA can’t tell residents they can’t have, but depending upon the HOA agreement, individuals may be required to have them out of sight. Features considered an eyesore by an HOA can be camouflaged with fencing panels – just make sure they meet the rules set forth by the HOA in terms of height, material, and color. Don’t erect fence panels without the pre-approval of the HOA. Panels are effective for concealing:

• Air Conditioning Units
• Certain Plants
• Clothesline
• Electrical Boxes
• Electric Car Charging Stations
• Generators
• Lawn Furniture
• Outbuildings
• Satellite Dishes
• Solar Panels
• Toys
• Trash Bins

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

There are many things that an HOA doesn’t want to see and may view as a detraction to the overall plan of the community, even if those items are allowed or essential to the operation of homes – such as electrical boxes. There are dozens of fencing options that can assist individuals to camouflage things that an HOA wants to keep out of sight.

Fencing doesn’t need to encompass an entire property to be effective. Individual panels can be strategically placed to conceal virtually any type of undesirable feature. Modern fencing materials can emulate the look of high-end stone, granite, and wood to provide an elegant appearance that blends tastefully with local surroundings.

Individuals can select from aluminum, PVC, wood, chain link, and SimTek® fencing materials. There are dozens of options for screens to hide unsightly items within a yard. They can also offer a handy foundation for trailing or climbing plants for those that enjoy gardening.

Fencing is a safety precaution and it will also be a beautification project for your home that increases its value. There’s a myriad of factors to consider when installing a fence that will make the difference between being a happy homeowner or one experiencing buyer’s remorse.

Why Do You Want One?

The reason you want a fence can impact the type of fencing you choose. People typically install a fence for safety, security, privacy, to minimize road noise, conceal unattractive features, or establish boundaries.

Cost

Some barriers are more expensive than others. Others are relatively inexpensive and can be installed quickly. Certain types can be more expensive, but are far more durable, available in multiple colors, and can even withstand hurricane force winds.

Maintenance

Depending on the type of fencing, it may require regular inspections, painting or staining. Others only need to be rinsed off with a hose. You need to know how much time you realistically have to spend on maintenance duties, or if you want a minimal maintenance set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Climate Concerns

There’s a wealth of options available for fencing and some react differently to ordinary and extremes in climate conditions. Homeowners can choose wood and metal or revolutionary new materials that can be recycled at the end of their considerable lifespan.

Contractors

Choose your contractor carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for references from former clients. They should be cognizant of local rules and regulations governing fencing in the community and be able to obtain any required permits. Homeowners should expect a professional to answer the phone, not a recording.

Always obtain a written estimate, ensure the materials and work are under warranty, and don’t hire a contractor that pressures you to make immediate decisions or pay in cash. The contractor should be willing to provide information and make recommendations, but the ultimate decision is yours.

Since the process for creating chain link fence was introduced in 1844 by Charles Barnard, the fencing type has remained one of the most effective and economical option for multiple uses. The fencing was based on the cloth weaving process and it was brought to the U.S. in 1891.

Chain link fencing quickly caught on and became popular for providing safety and security for parks and the estates of the wealthy and powerful. It became the preferred backstop method in baseball fields, catch fences at early car racetracks, and even for cage matches in wrestling.

Industrial sites, housing projects and commercial enterprises use chain link fence due to its affordability and versatility. The Department of Homeland Security recommends chain link fencing for the protection of soft targets and those that may be at increased risk of attacks. In high security areas, chain link fencing can be equipped with barbed wire or razor wire.

The fencing is strong, durable, resistant to corrosion, and offers a convenient see-through barricade. Chain link provides an imposing physical barrier and a psychological deterrent to would-be intruders. It’s cost effective to purchase, install, and can reduce the number of guards needed to protect a facility.

It’s an ideal solution for those that have small children and pets. It provides an added level of safety for parents at home and for those operating daycare centers. Chain link is used by animal breeders, animal shelters and in solutions designed specifically for zoos.

Chain link fencing isn’t just for permanent installation. It’s widely used for temporary protection of construction sites where valuable equipment and tools are kept. The fencing utilizes steel posts that can be easily removed from the ground at the end of a project and the distinctive diamond-patterned fencing can simply be rolled up and used in a different location if desired.

It’s available in multiple colors, styles, heights, and thicknesses. The fencing is able to withstand exposure to extremes of weather and coating can be applied to extend its lifespan even further. Chain link fencing is easy to repair if damage does occur and will serve its purpose for many years with only a minimum of maintenance, making it one of the most cost effective options available.