How High Should You Build Your New Fence?

When you decide to build a new fence you need to decide how high it will be. Your decision will be based primarily on the function your fence will fulfill. A pretty little perimeter fence that defines the area of your property might be quite low, while a fence that has been designed for security will be quite the opposite.

While design and function will both have a direct influence on height, even more importantly, local laws and regulations will determine just how high you can go.

Before you make any decisions check out local codes to see what is required legally. That way, you can make certain that your needs dovetail with laws and regulations.

Fence Fact Requirements to Check

There are a number of factors that could affect the height requirements of your proposed fencing. It depends on who (or which authority) determines these requirements. But even if your plans conflict with local regulations you might be able to get a variance.

The height requirements to check include:

• Front yard fencing
• Back yard fencing which is generally much higher than front yard fencing
• Fencing that might impact on traffic intersections or sharp bends – this needs to be low enough for safe traffic flow and an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic

While these might all be the same, they do quite often vary. So be sure before you start any type of installation. There may also be regulations that relate to setback distances.

The Best Height for a Fence

Irrespective of the legal requirements for fencing there are suitable parameters that will meet different needs.

Working on a rule of thumb (which is basically an educated guess), a fence that is simply going to add curb appeal to your home should be between one and two feet high. Most picket fences are three to four foot high.

Many front yard fences are as high as three feet. But if you need a fence to be effective for privacy or security, it will have to be considerably higher, at between five and six feet high. Some backyard fences are as high as eight feet.

If you want some more educated information then please contact the friendly folks at Natural Enclosures. We have lots of ideas!