Residential precast installation can be an excellent option for secure, durable, and aesthetic concrete fencing. However, there are certain considerations to consider during the construction process. Permits and regulations can significantly impact your plan and result in fines and penalties if you don’t handle them properly.
Here is what you need to know about these regulations before you install your precast concrete fence.
Do You Need a Permit for a Residential Precast Installation?
Permits are essential to many alterations you can make to your property. They’re tricky to navigate because they vary widely from state to state and even among local jurisdictions. The only way to know whether you need a permit is to look up your local bylaws.
Whether you need a permit will also depend on the details of your specific residential precast installation. There are likely to be restrictions based on height, location, and the purpose of your fence. For example, taller fences are more likely to require a building permit.
Zoning law is another area that may affect your plans for a precast concrete fence. You’ll find more trouble building fences in dense urban areas and much more leeway if you’re building on a rural property. Remember that there are plenty of exceptions and special cases to be had, so always check before you commit to building your fence.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Permit for Your Fence?
The modern prevalence of building permits draws the ire of many who would rather simply do as they please. Right or wrong, you can face significant consequences if you move forward on a project without the proper permits.
For instance, you may encounter legal action from local authorities, such as a cease-and-desist order or major penalties. Without a permit, you also open yourself up to potential legal challenges from neighboring property owners. In many cases, permits are integral to working out these disputes.
If you plan on selling in the future, investing in an unpermitted residential precast installation is a poor prospect. Instead of raising property value, any fence without a permit may be seen as a liability. You may have to tear it down yourself before finding any willing buyers.
In the worst-case scenario, the city or county may go to court and get a ruling to remove your fence. In this scenario, you can incur significant costs, as they will likely charge you for the demolition. This also means starting from scratch on your fence and hopefully choosing to get a permit this time.
How Do Regulations Affect the Size and Style of Fencing?
Your city or county is likely to have a variety of regulations in place dictating what additions can be made to residential properties. These vary between different areas, so check out your local regulations. They can significantly impact the type of fence you can install.
Fence placement is one of the most important areas covered by these regulations. Chances are there are inevitable setbacks and placement requirements that you must follow. For example, you may need to allow a certain distance between your fence and the road.
Many municipalities have height restrictions for fences as well. These restrictions can also vary in different neighborhoods. For instance, historic district and property designations will likely impact any construction project in those areas.
You might also find yourself under the rule of a homeowners’ association. In this case, you’ll have another set of rules to look over, and they might strictly control the height, style, and placement of any fencing.
What if You’re Building a Fence on a Property Line?
One of the biggest challenges regarding permits and regulations comes when you’re building a fence between properties. If you work with your neighbor, residential precast installation can go smoothly but pose many hurdles.
In most cases, some setback regulation will dictate how close you can build a fence to the property line with or without your neighbor’s permission. However, if you work with your neighbor, you can establish a boundary agreement to build it right on the line. Every municipality handles boundary agreements differently, so check local bylaws first.
Plan for Success With Your Precast Installation
Focusing on permits and regulations is essential to ensure your project goes smoothly. However, so is choosing the right fencing system and materials. Fence Installers offers a wide range of quality styles for your residential precast installation. To learn more about our services, contact our knowledgeable team today.