Fences are a great way to add value to your property, but building fences can also be challenging. You need to consider the location of your property’s fence and whether you will need to obtain a permit before starting construction. Read on for some helpful tips about fencing regulations.
Permits Vary By Locality
You can build a fence on your property, but some rules exist. The first thing you need to do is check your zoning regulations to make sure that it’s okay for you to build a fence on your property. You’ll also want to keep in mind where the property lines are located so that you don’t end up building over someone else’s land and creating a dispute with them later on.
In addition, your private community might have its set of laws and regulations that determine materials, colors, and even the height of your fence. You might need to apply for a city and a community permit before you start your fence project.
Height and Opacity Requirements Vary
Fences under 6 feet tall usually don’t require a permit. However, depending on the fence location, these regulations might change. Most codes have a maximum height of 4 feet for front yard fences and 6 feet in the backyard. Side yards might have separate rules, but the maximum size is usually 6 feet.
In addition, you have to worry about visibility. Corner lots, in particular, might be restricted to 3 feet or less because they might interfere with visibility from the street to the other roads.
You May Need Neighbor Permission
If you’re sharing a fence with a neighbor, you may need their written consent to build the fence. Most areas don’t require written permission, but others do, so it’s best to get one just in case. Whether or not you share the fence’s cost with the neighbor depends on your agreement and doesn’t have specific regulations to follow.
Fence Distance is Regulated
How close you build your fence to the property line is tricky. If you share property lines with a public entity, you may not be able to build directly on the line. Ideally, you’ll have to get a land survey from the city that determines the property line and where you can build a fence.
Things to Consider Before Installing a Fence
Before building your fence, you’ll need to check whether your municipality requires a permit. You’ll need to know where you want your fence built and what allowances for access will be required. You’ll also consider how much area surrounding the site will need to be cleared. It’s best to err on the cautious side and talk to your city regulators to ensure you get all the building permits required for a fence. You can also hire a fence installation contractor to take care of the paperwork and building permits.
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Written by Geraldine Orentas