We’re a very busy Austin fence company that has seen it all. From replacing portions of a fence that blew over in a sudden wind storm in East Austin to installing manual entry gates at estates near Lake Travis.
Experience is invaluable whenever you are taking on a bigger improvement like a fence project. It’s about more than choosing a good quality material you like the best to enclose an outdoor living space. Because that material may actually not be allowed and will have to be removed. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves just a bit.
If you’re installing a new fence, replacing a large portion of fencing on a property in the heart of Central Texas, below are what you need to know first before moving ahead with the project.
There Are Height Restrictions
A reputable fence company will give you fencing options, but there will likely be limitations that the project manager and their team can’t work around. Fence height is one of these potential limitations that is going to vary by the material that’s used and where the fence is located.
Here are some general guidelines that apply to most places:
- A wood fence is restricted to a range of 6′ in height on the back and side property lines, but can go up to 8′ tall in some cases.
- Ornamental, open fencing like chain link and wrought iron can be taller.
- If a fence line is on a right of way it’s limited to 6′ or less in height.
- A front fence can be no taller than 4′ tall.
Fencing around a yard can exceed these heights, but only with a special permit. If you really want to build a taller fence it’s important to discuss your ideas with a professional who is familiar with the process.
There Are Design Restrictions
Before you start considering fence styles first consider if they are safe. Some of the latest fence regulations in Austin are safety related. The city realized that some homes and businesses have fences that are located in areas where there are a lot of people and foot traffic. And even in more secluded areas, some fence designs can pose a risk for pets and kids in particular.
One style element that is strictly prohibited is spikes or points at the top of the fence. While some homeowners prefer the design because they feel like it enhances security, it can also be extremely dangerous for kids, public workers and contractors who are on the property.
There Are Material Restrictions
Just like with the fence design, there are restrictions with what materials can be used within the Austin city limits for safety purposes. For instance, barbed wire and razor wire are strictly prohibited around a house and most businesses. You even have to be careful with chain link fencing that has sharp edges.
Out in the rural areas and country these material restrictions often don’t apply. The county and other jurisdictions understand that further out where there are estates surrounded by nature, gardens, ranches and farmland perimeters need to be secured in different ways. It’s acceptable to use materials like barbed wire and cattle fencing to keep livestock and people safe.
There Are Different Guidelines For Residential and Commercial Properties
Even if a residential property is right beside or across the street from a commercial property, there are going to be different restrictions and regulations for fence installation. Often there’s more flexibility with commercial properties in terms of the fence height, materials and design that can be used.
There Are Also Separate Guidelines For Pool Fencing
If you have a pool on your property, there are very strict guidelines for securing it with fencing. It’s not simply a matter of quality work that makes the fence sturdy. In addition to height regulations, there are rules for the gaps between pickets and between the ground and the bottom of the fence. The goal is to prevent young children from getting in pool areas where they can get in the water and potentially drown.
The Soil at the Site is a Big Factor For the Fence Installation
A knowledgeable fencer in the Austin area will know to test the soil to figure out what’s below the surface before they even design the fence. Like the landscape and elevation changes, a fence will be less than sturdy if it isn’t built for the soil it’s standing on.
Fencing That is on the Property Line is Considered to be Jointly Owned
You may want to consider putting your new fence at least a few inches in on your property. This not only safeguards against accidentally putting it on the neighbor’s property, it also gives you sole ownership and more control.
In Austin, if a fence is on the property line it’s considered jointly owned by the two property owners.
There Could Be HOA Restrictions
In the Austin area, when we install, replace or repair a fence we always check to see if there’s an HOA governing exterior projects. A deck or patio in the yard isn’t regulated, but the HOA will definitely have their own restrictions for fencing, even in the back.
Often the HOA cares most about respecting property lines and appearance. For example, some HOAs will require that a wood fence be sealed to protect against the sun, even if the property is shaded.
Special Permits May Be Needed For Flood Areas
In recent years, the risk of flooding in Central Texas has increased. It’s led the City of Austin to create special parameters for flood prone areas, which is reasonable. Any fencing job that takes place in a flood zone is going to require a special permit. For that reason, you certainly want to work with a fencer who has a reputation in the industry for constructing fences for flood zones.
Now that you understand some of the basics for building a superior fence that will be within the guidelines and restrictions, it’s time to start planning out the project. Purple Fencing Company can help you out with a free fence estimate that is accurate and affordable prices that fit your budget. We can also help customers get financing lined up so there isn’t a large up front cost that breaks the bank.
Give our team a call at 512-955-5360 to request a free estimate and more information on financing part or all of your fence service.
