Erecting a fence on your commercial property provides both security and aesthetics to the property. But commercial fences tend to have more regulations and restrictions than residential fences. Hence, it would help to research your city's rules on commercial fence installation before starting the fence installation project.
Besides, if you fail to follow any regulations on commercial fences in your area or zone, the city may force you to tear down your new commercial fence. Furthermore, you may have to pay a fine for failing to follow the regulations on commercial fences.
To avoid such inconveniences, here are three tips you should consider before installing a commercial fence.
1. Check for Easements on Your Property
An easement is a non-possessory grant that awards another entity the right to access and use a section of your property. An example of an easement is when you have a utility line passing through your property. The section of your commercial property that hosts the utility line is an easement.
As a result, the utility company has jurisdiction over that section of your land. So, the utility company has a say on where and how you can erect the commercial fence on that section of land. If you install a commercial fence on an easement without consulting the utility company, the company can sue to have you remove the fence.
Hence, before installing a commercial fence, check for any easements on your land. To find easements on your commercial property, check:
- The deed of the property
- Recorded maps of the area
- Or, visit the office of the county recorder or county courthouse for more information about easements on your land.
2. Learn the Building Code
Different cities and towns have varying regulations on erecting a commercial fence and which fencing materials you can use. As a result, if you want to install a commercial fence, you need to learn about the building code of your city or town.
The building code will provide you with information such as:
- Maximum commercial fence height allowed
- Prohibited fencing materials that you can't use on your commercial fence
- How far from an easement should you erect your commercial fence
Learning about the building code is vital because the city council can fine you for failing to follow the building code. Furthermore, if you neglect to follow the building code, the city council can have you demolish your commercial fence.
3. Check if You Need a Permit
As mentioned earlier, different states and cities impose different regulations on commercial fences. Hence, in some states and cities, you may not need to apply for a permit before installing a commercial fence.
But as the saying goes, 'it's better to be safe than sorry.' Hence, if you want to install a commercial fence, visit the city council offices and inquire whether you need to apply for a permit or not.
To learn more about commercial fences, reach out to a fencing contractor.
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