Fence Permits & Property Surveys
What to Know Before Installing Your New Fence
Before installing a new fence, it’s important to know exactly where it can — and can’t — go. Property lines, easements, local zoning requirements, homeowners association rules and permit requirements can all affect the location and design of your fence.
US Fence NC installs residential and commercial fencing throughout Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding Triangle communities. Because requirements vary from one municipality and property to another, understanding the rules that apply to your property is an important part of planning a successful fencing project.
Do I Need a Permit for My Fence?
The answer depends on where your property is located.
Fence permitting and zoning requirements are established by the municipality or jurisdiction where the property is located. Requirements may address the location, height, materials and design of a fence, and additional rules may apply to corner lots, front yards, swimming pools, historic districts and other circumstances.
For example, the City of Raleigh requires a zoning permit when a fence is installed on a property. Fuquay-Varina does not currently require a permit for fence installation, but fences must still comply with the Town’s applicable development standards.
If your property is located elsewhere in the Triangle, different requirements may apply. Always verify the current requirements for your property before beginning a fence installation.
Why Property Lines Matter
Knowing the boundaries of your property is essential when planning a new fence.
A fence installed in the wrong location can create disputes with neighboring property owners and potentially require portions of the fence to be relocated. Property boundaries can also be difficult to determine simply by looking at a yard. Existing landscaping, driveways, utility boxes or even an older fence aren’t necessarily reliable indicators of the legal property line.
Before installation, you should be confident that you know where your property begins and ends.
Do I Need a Property Survey?
Depending on your property and local requirements, a survey or other property documentation may be necessary or advisable before your new fence is installed.
A professional property survey can identify important information such as property boundaries and may also show easements and other features that can affect where fencing can be located.
Even when a formal survey isn’t specifically required for a fence project, having accurate property information can help avoid uncertainty about where your fence should be installed.
If you already have a recent survey or plot plan for your property, keep it available as you begin planning your fencing project.
Understanding Easements
Property lines aren’t the only consideration when deciding where to put a fence. Your property may contain utility, drainage, stormwater or other easements that restrict where fencing can be installed.
An easement gives another party certain rights to use a designated portion of the property for a particular purpose. Depending on the type of easement and local regulations, installing a fence within that area may be prohibited or subject to specific requirements.
Reviewing available property records and surveys before determining your fence layout can help identify these areas early in the planning process.
Don't Forget About HOA Requirements
If your home is part of a homeowners association, your HOA may have its own fencing requirements in addition to municipal regulations.
HOA guidelines may regulate fence materials, colors, styles, heights and locations. Some associations also require homeowners to submit their proposed fence design for architectural review or receive approval before installation begins.
Municipal approval does not necessarily mean that a project complies with your HOA’s private restrictions, so it’s important to check both before moving forward.
Pool Fencing May Have Additional Requirements
If your fence will surround a swimming pool, additional safety and building-code requirements may apply.
Pool barriers are intended to restrict access to the pool area and may be subject to requirements involving fence height, openings, gates, latches and other safety features.
Let us know when your fencing project involves a swimming pool so those requirements can be considered when planning the appropriate fencing solution.
Planning Your Raleigh-Area Fence Project
Permits, surveys and property requirements may not be the most exciting part of getting a new fence, but addressing them before installation can help your project go much more smoothly.
Before your project begins, make sure you understand:
- Your property’s boundaries
- Any easements affecting the proposed fence location
- Municipal permit and zoning requirements
- HOA or neighborhood restrictions
- Requirements that may apply to pools or other special circumstances
- Any other property-specific restrictions that could affect installation
Taking care of these details beforehand can help prevent delays, unexpected changes and problems after your fence has been installed.
Have Questions About Your New Fence?
US Fence NC has been serving Raleigh and surrounding North Carolina communities since 2005. Based in Fuquay-Varina, we provide professional residential and commercial fence installation throughout the Triangle.
If you’re planning a new fence, we’ll work with you to determine the right fencing solution and layout for your property.
Ready to start planning your new fence?
Contact US Fence NC to request an estimate for fence installation in Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding North Carolina communities.