Do you usually need a permit for a Fence?

bmxmann · 06-29-2008, 10:24:00 PM

Hey guys, I am building a fence to keep in my 1 1/2 yr old son, and I am not sure If I will need a building permit. I live in the city, and I already put up 2 post, but they were in the same spot as 2 old posts, so I could say I just replaced them... Anyway, I checked the City website and found this:

"Permits are required for any new construction, addition, remodeling project, or structural alteration as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects. We do not require permits for finish work such as new cabinets, painting, replacing or covering shingles, patios made of brick or paving stones, or concrete slabs. You do need a permit for sheetrock, siding or a deck."

Suppose a fence might be considered new construction..

I don't want to email them if I don't have to, so figured I would ask you guys, thanks in advance!

Gary S · 06-29-2008, 10:26:55 PM

Only your city or whoever issues the permits can answer that question because things like this are different everywhere.

Marks71BB · 06-29-2008, 10:30:34 PM

More than likely yes. most cities will limit the height and location of fencing. For good reasom too. There are visibility issues near the street. many cities will limit you to 30" or so within ten feet of the street on a side yard fence.

RobSS1113 · 06-29-2008, 10:34:34 PM

Now a days you need a permit just to go apply for a Permit !! Crazy.

But I've never heard of a Permit for a fence. I do know that if the fence runs down the side of the driveway towards the street that those boards need to be a certain height for viability. But those are just Requirements and not permit related, well at least not in Texas.

Jim Stokkeland · 06-29-2008, 10:35:23 PM

I played stoopid (LOL, not hard fer me), and got it after the fact (I knew the doods in the bldg dept.)...not advisable tho

jayb53guy · 06-29-2008, 10:36:07 PM

Only if your putting it up around a roller coaster.

Sorry, I had to.

BonzoHansen · 06-29-2008, 10:39:22 PM

Cal the town & ask - or check their website. IIRC, in my town if you are replacing a fence - no permit. New fence = need permit.

Marks71BB · 06-29-2008, 10:40:08 PM

Good one Jay

bmxmann · 06-29-2008, 10:42:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayb53guy

Only if your putting it up around a roller coaster.

Sorry, I had to.

hahahahaha

Thanks guys!

Twisted_Metal · 06-29-2008, 10:52:07 PM

No permit needed for one of these.....

68400BIRD · 06-30-2008, 12:51:07 AM

If you put the whole fence up at night you do not need a permit.

Fleetwiz · 06-30-2008, 12:59:36 AM

I needed one here in NJ..was painless but now they tax me on it.

dcs13 · 06-30-2008, 08:46:24 AM

Heard Adam Corolla say it once...You know, I gotta get a permit to work on and make my house look better, but any moron can have a kid without anyone checking to see if they are competent ...Seems a little backwards to me.

My motto is...NEVER piss off a building inspector. They can become a HUGE pain in the ass. However, If I lived in a big city (say Dallas), I wouldn't worry about getting the permit. The big city inspectors are too busy to worry about a fence.

NOW don't forget, if you have an HOA...DO NOT blow them off. They can really jack with you...

God luck...watch them nail guns

Mr_Metal · 06-30-2008, 09:03:21 AM

I'd say you could build the fence w/ no slack from the city.
I know a guy that's built a few additions on his house w/out permits... not that it's right, but it can be done.

You are building a fence, not a housing structure.

Brian79Z · 06-30-2008, 09:53:21 AM

Everywhere I lived, any kind of fence that you are putting in the ground (aside from a chicken wire garden fence, floral fence, etc.) REQUIRES a building permit.

Certain things like building easements, utility easements, surveying of proper property lines, comes into play when constructing a fence. Every fence I put in the ground REQUIRED a land survey. Only once did I actually need the survey to inform the neighbor that he encroached onto my property by 6 feet.

Privacy fences make great neighbors.

Typically, the township/city/county/etc benefit by imposing restrictions, so you need a permit to wipe your bottom. They want the $25 for the permit fee, then they register it with the county recorder to assess it on your land taxes. Your projects are the gifts that keep on giving to the county tax base.

Failure to obtain a permit can result in penalties or removal of the project. In most cases, a penalty will be assessed, because it's about the money. Depending on your local code enforcement will depend on what you can get away with. Our township code enforcer is a retired trooper.