Guidelines for Putting a Fence on My Property

Purpose

• You must know the purpose for the fence before you start to build. You might want a fence mainly for privacy or primarily as a barrier. Perhaps you want an attractive fence for decorative purposes. Let your purpose guide you when planning the construction of your fence.

Materials

• Give careful thought to the materials for your fence. A chain link fence might work well as a barrier, but you might not find it particularly attractive. A wood fence has a pleasing appearance and adds a sense of permanence to you property. If you prefer materials that don't require as much maintenance as wood, vinyl or composite fencing can solve your problem.

Regulations

• Before putting up your fence, check with your local building officials to make sure that you follow all of their regulations. For example, many local governments do not allow fences in a front yard higher than 4 feet or taller than 6 feet in a back yard.