Why Planning Matters

A fence is a permanent structure that affects your property for decades. Poor planning leads to:

Costly legal disputes with neighbors
Required removal for property line violations
Wasted money on wrong materials
Code violations and fines

Take the time to plan properly, and your fence project will go smoothly.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

What’s the Primary Goal?

Privacy:

6-8 feet tall
Solid boards or panels
No gaps between boards
Consider overlapping design

Security:

Sturdy construction
Difficult to climb
Self-closing gates with locks
Consider height restrictions

Pet containment:

Height based on pet size
No gaps for escape
Consider dig-proof base
Self-closing gates essential

Property boundary:

Can be shorter/decorative
Must be on property line or inside
Consider shared cost with neighbor

Aesthetics/Curb appeal:

Match home style
Consider HOA requirements
Front yard restrictions common

Pool enclosure:

Must meet code (usually 4-5 feet minimum)
Self-closing, self-latching gate required
No climbable features
Specific gap requirements

Step 2: Know Your Property Lines

Why This Is Critical

Building on your neighbor’s property can result in:

Required fence removal
Legal action
Damaged neighbor relationships
Financial liability

How to Find Your Property Lines

Option 1: Plat/survey map

Check your closing documents
Available at county recorder’s office
Shows lot dimensions and boundaries

Option 2: Property markers

Metal pins at corners (may be buried)
Use metal detector to locate
Measure from known points

Option 3: Professional survey

Most accurate method
Cost: $300-$800 typically
Required for disputes
Provides legal documentation

Setback Requirements

Most areas require fences be set back from:

Property lines (often 2-6 inches)
Public sidewalks
Road right-of-way
Utility easements

Check with your local building department before finalizing placement.

Step 3: Check Local Regulations

Permits

Typically required when:

Fence exceeds certain height (often 6 feet)
Located in front yard
Near public right-of-way
Pool enclosure
Historic districts

Application typically requires:

Property survey or plat
Fence specifications
Site plan showing location
Fee ($25-$200 typically)

Height Restrictions

Location	Common Limit
Front yard	3-4 feet
Side yard (front portion)	3-4 feet
Side yard (rear portion)	6 feet
Rear yard	6-8 feet

Note: These vary significantly by municipality.

Setback Requirements

From property line: 0-6 inches (varies)
From sidewalk: 1-3 feet
From street: Per local code
From corner (sight lines): Often 3+ feet

HOA Rules

If you have an HOA, check for:

Approved materials and colors
Height restrictions
Style requirements
Approval process
Architectural review timeline

Get HOA approval in writing before purchasing materials.

Step 4: Talk to Your Neighbors

Why Communication Matters

Avoids disputes
May share costs
Coordinates “good side” placement
Maintains relationships
May be legally required (some areas)

Topics to Discuss

Fence placement - On line or offset?
Style and height - Agreement on appearance?
Cost sharing - Will they contribute?
Construction timing - Any concerns?
“Good side” facing - Who gets it?

Document Agreements

If sharing costs or placement:

Put agreement in writing
Both parties sign
Keep copies
Include maintenance responsibilities

Step 5: Choose Your Materials

Wood Fencing

Cedar:

Naturally rot-resistant
Beautiful appearance
Higher cost ($15-25 per linear foot)
Weathers to silver gray

Pressure-treated pine:

Most economical ($10-18 per linear foot)
Requires treatment at cuts
Can be stained
15-20 year lifespan

Redwood:

Premium appearance
Excellent durability
High cost ($20-35 per linear foot)
Limited availability in some regions

Vinyl/PVC Fencing

Pros:

No maintenance
Won’t rot or warp
Long lifespan (20-30 years)
Consistent appearance

Cons:

Higher upfront cost ($20-35 per linear foot)
Can crack in extreme cold
Limited color options
Looks “plastic” to some

Metal Fencing

Chain link:

Most economical metal option ($8-15 per linear foot)
Durable
Security-focused
Privacy slats available

Aluminum:

Ornamental appearance ($25-45 per linear foot)
Won’t rust
Low maintenance
Many style options

Wrought iron:

Classic appearance ($30-100 per linear foot)
Very durable
Requires maintenance
High-end option

Composite Fencing

Pros:

Wood-like appearance
No rot or insects
Low maintenance
Eco-friendly options

Cons:

High cost ($25-45 per linear foot)
Heavy material
Limited styles
Can fade over time

Step 6: Calculate Costs

Cost Components

Item	Typical % of Budget
Posts	15-20%
Rails	10-15%
Pickets/panels	40-50%
Concrete	5-10%
Hardware	5%
Gates	10-15%

DIY vs. Professional

Factor	DIY	Professional
Material cost	Same	Same
Labor cost	Free	$15-35/linear foot
Time	1-2 weekends (100 ft)	1-2 days
Quality	Variable	Consistent
Warranty	None	Often included

Budget Examples (100 Linear Feet)

Type	Materials	Pro Labor	Total
PT Wood Privacy	$1,200-1,800	$1,500-2,500	$2,700-4,300
Cedar Privacy	$1,800-2,500	$1,500-2,500	$3,300-5,000
Vinyl Privacy	$2,200-3,500	$1,800-2,800	$4,000-6,300
Chain Link 4’	$800-1,200	$1,000-1,500	$1,800-2,700

Use our Fencing Calculator for detailed estimates.

Step 7: Create Your Plan

Measure and Map

Measure total fence length
Mark gate locations
Note grade changes (may need stepped fence)
Identify obstacles (trees, utilities, structures)
Calculate materials using our calculator

Post Spacing

Standard: 6-8 feet on center
Heavier materials: 6 feet maximum
High wind areas: 6 feet
At gates: Additional posts needed

Gate Planning

Consider:

Number of gates needed
Single vs. double gate
Swing direction (away from pool, into yard)
Width needed (lawn equipment? vehicles?)
Hardware and locks

Common widths:

Walk-through: 3-4 feet
Garden equipment: 4-5 feet
Vehicle/double gate: 10-12 feet

Step 8: Utility Location

Call 811 Before Digging

Required by law in most areas. Free service marks:

Gas lines
Electric cables
Water/sewer pipes
Telecommunications
Cable TV

Call at least 3 business days before planned digging.

Common Private Utilities (Not Marked)

You’re responsible for locating:

Irrigation lines
Invisible pet fences
Private lighting cables
Septic systems
Propane lines

Step 9: Timing Considerations

Best Time to Build

Spring/Fall:

Moderate temperatures
Easier to work in
Ground not frozen
Concrete cures properly

Summer:

Longest days
Ground is dry
Heat can be challenging
May need early morning work

Winter:

Possible in mild climates
Frozen ground is difficult
Concrete curing affected
Shorter daylight hours

Project Timeline

Phase	Typical Time
Planning/permits	1-4 weeks
Utility marking	3-7 days
Material delivery	1-7 days
Post setting	1-2 days
Concrete curing	24-48 hours
Fence construction	2-4 days
Total (100 ft fence)	2-6 weeks

Planning Checklist

Administrative:

Property survey obtained/verified
Building permit applied for
HOA approval received
Neighbor notification/agreement

Technical:

Practical:

Materials ordered/scheduled
Tools gathered/rented
Help arranged (if DIY)
Timeline established

Calculate Your Fence Materials

Ready to get accurate material quantities and cost estimates? Use our free Fencing Calculator.

Pro Tip: Build a mock-up before committing. Drive stakes at corner locations and run string at your planned height. Live with it for a few days. Does it feel right? Block the views you wanted? Look proportional to your house? A $20 investment in stakes and string can save thousands in regret.