10 Questions You Should to Know about Highway Fencing
Mar. 31, 2025
10 Commonly Asked Questions About Fence Installations
Installing a fence is one of the best ways to secure your property. Besides enhancing the overall safety level by limiting access to people and animals, fence installations create a better-looking property. How well you choose a fencing company will determine your project’s cost and the durability of your fence.
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However, poorly constructed fence installations will greatly reduce the functionality, durability, and lifespan. Failure to set the fence post holes deep enough and can lead to premature fence damage. Following are some of the frequently asked questions about fence construction:
1. Do I Need a Fence?
Installing a fence around your property provides protection and privacy from passersby and neighbors. When properly built, fence installations have aesthetic appeal as they can help to train climbing plants that decorate your home. Consider installing a fence for the following reasons:
- It’s a great deterrent for intruders, trespassers, and wild animals
- It protects your children from the busy roads
- It can improve your home’s value
- It becomes easy to install electrical fencing
- It clearly defines your property’s boundaries
Once you secure your property with fence installations, you can convert your home to a peaceful haven that provides a safe play environment for your kids. Such containment is critical since you can keep an eye on them while preventing entry from strangers.
2. How Much Will Fencing Cost?
The type and design of your fence installations will have a significant impact on the overall cost. A split rail wood fence is relatively easy and cheap to construct. You can even save more money if you choose two rails instead of three.
The cost of your fence will depend on:
- The overall length and height, as the pricing is done per linear foot
- The type of fencing material
- The slope (steep properties require grading)
- The style and design (simple fences are cheaper to install)
The distance between the posts will also have an impact. Most posts are 8 to 12 feet apart although you can increase the spacing to 15 feet to reduce the cost.
3. Which Is the Cheapest Fencing Material?
Chain link fencing is significantly cheaper than other fencing options that provide the same benefits in terms of visibility and strength. The precast concrete poles that support the chain link fencing are maintenance-free, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. Whatever the height, these weather-resistant poles are available in various options to suit your specifications.
If you are using timber poles, you need to invest in the right anti-termite treatment solution. Soak the posts in a copper naphthenate solution to prevent termites and apply engine oil to avoid dampness.
The ideal way to improve the longevity of your fence installations is to fix the posts at the proper depth. A typical 200mm-wide post needs to sit in a 600mm deep hole if you are building a mm high fence. Most homeowners prefer chain link fencing for the following reasons:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Quick installation
- Durability
- Ease of repair and maintenance
You need to install tension wire to reinforce the bottom of your fence line. The tension wire significantly improves durability by preventing the fence installations from sagging or loosening over time. If you plan to install an electric fence, you need a ground wire to protect the occupants from electrical shocks.
4. Which Is the Most Durable Fencing Material?
Masonry wall fencing can last over 100 years without any structural issues. Whether you use stone, brick, or stucco, you’ll only need a simple facelift to restore its original appeal. For the best outcomes, you must fortify your masonry wall with columns.
If you are building in an earthquake-prone region, you need a structural engineer to provide the necessary seismic resistance as per the codes. If you are not planning to paint your wall, ensure that your chosen materials are aesthetically pleasing.
Take the following steps when constructing a stone fence:
- Set the course of the wall and dig a 6″ deep trench
- Fill it 4″ of gravel and tamp it down to 2″
- Construct footings and columns
- Install stones and backfill as you go
Masonry stone walls pose some challenges that include cracking or displacement of the over-stressed units. Installing expansion joints is the ideal way to prevent this problem.
These joints separate the fence installations into segments and prevent cracks that result from moisture expansion, temperature change, settlement, or elastic deformation. Space your expansion joints approximately 10 ft. from each other. Alternatively, install the joints at the center point between two posts.
5. How Long Will the Project Take?
The time required to complete your fencing project depends on the materials, fence design, and the underlying site conditions. If you encounter stones while digging the trenches, you will spend more time and money. But if you are looking for stability and longevity, you cannot afford to skimp on the excavation process.
You need to secure the posts into the ground for maximum stability. You’d rather take more time than end up with a poorly reinforced fence. However, if time is the issue, you can fast track the fencing process by:
- Installing precast concrete blocks
- Mechanizing the grading process
- Choosing a vinyl fence that takes three days or so
- Using an auger to dig the posts
Precast concrete blocks guarantee a quick way of installing a boundary wall. You can use them to significantly fast-track the building process. By molding and curing the blocks in a controlled environment, it’s possible to ensure rapid construction on site since they’re non-load bearing.
The fencing company will use bolted connections to join several blocks per the drawings. Welded connections are equally effective in providing the structural stability that you require.
After digging the trench, you need to incorporate the steel bolts in your poured concrete foundation. Allow your poured concrete to cure for at least 22 days, and install the concrete blocks to the dowels that protrude from the foundation.
6. Do You Provide a Written Contract?
A written contract creates a working relationship that protects both you and the fencing company. While you add the cost of labor and the standard charges that might be necessary to undertake the job, it’s easy to develop a cost estimate. The fencing company should offer an estimate that outlines the number of materials used and their respective costs.
Also, you’ll need a program of work that outlines how long every activity will take. The program is essential because:
- It helps to estimate the duration of your project
- It helps you to avail the necessary materials beforehand
A professional fencing company will complete the project as per the schedule unless unavoidable delays occur. Avoid digging the holes during the rainy season as you’ll struggle to secure the poles firmly on the ground.
7. What Permits Do I Need for This Project?
Since the 1.8m-high fences are regarded as minor building works, they might not require architectural plans. However, you might need some permits before installing the fence.
If your fence is offensive or illegal, your neighbor has the right to complain. The best way to avoid such complaints is to ensure that you build in your property. Even if you have clear property boundaries, the footings and columns could be wider than the wall.
So, insist on a 200mm setback to avoid boundary disputes down the road. Before you excavate your property, check whether your neighbor has any buildings close to the boundary. The law protects such buildings from structural damage, so find out whether you need to construct a retaining wall.
The permits you might need include:
- Road reserves
- Riparian reserves
- Copy of deed plan
- Consent from neighbors (give one month’s notice)
- Ask the council about setbacks to the boundary line
- Contact the utility companies
It’s vital for the utility companies to mark the buried utility lines before you can start digging the posts. You might also need some permits before you install the electric fencing above the wall. Some features pose health risks to your neighbors, and it’s vital to identify the devices that your local council recommends.
8. Will You Contact the Utility Companies?
A stitch in time saves nine as more than 55 fatalities occur every year in the United States due to hitting the underground power cables during excavations. A reputable fencing company should always communicate with the local utility companies to safeguard underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications, cable television, Internet, and power lines.
The fencing company will then request a copy of your title deed or survey records to confirm exactly where your boundary lines are. If you don’t have these documents, the fencing company should obtain them from the local titling office. Besides avoiding problems with the municipality, getting such information will prevent you from encroaching into your neighbor’s property.
Identifying the position of the buried utilities is critical before you commence the excavations. Find out whether these utilities are encased in concrete to avoid accidents. If the information is unavailable, your fencing company should use a cable detector to locate the utilities.
However, sometimes you’ll encounter underground water pipes that can quickly get damaged. Steering clear of the utilities is the best way to stay safe. Look out for utility hole covers, changes in the hardscape, water taps, fire hydrants, and street lights.
Use chalk to mark the ground and ask the utility company to provide specific details in terms of depth and width of these services. Use that information to excavate small trial pits at least mm away from the utilities and apply for a permit to dig.
9. Which Warranties Do You Provide?
Building stone walls as per the codes is vital as an average of seven people die every day due to the collapse of walls and buildings in the United States. Improper drainage (lack of weep holes), inadequate wall reinforcement, and foundation footing problems are the leading causes of boundary wall failure. The soil’s settlement, overloading of the wall, and typical design or construction errors can also cause the wall to collapse.
For these reasons, the fencing company must provide a one-year warranty. After construction, a reputable St Louis fence company should provide a defect liability period to correct any flaws that might arise due to construction flaws. By withholding some payments until the end of the defect liability period, you encourage the contractor to take the necessary steps to mitigate the losses.
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You don’t want to hire another fencing company to address the original contractor’s flaws. The fencing company is not liable for any imperfections that appear after the defect liability period and has no right to return to the site to fix the defects. The defects liability clause also benefits the St Louis fence company since we cannot be forced to reimburse the client for the losses.
10. Which Are the Best Finishes?
Boundary walls not only provide safety and security, but they also add visual aesthetics and style to your property. Instead of using basic concrete, you ought to be creative with the materials and wall design. Regardless of the material used in the structural frame, you can clad your wall with thin stone slabs or tiles.
Stones also come in endless rustic and tactile options that can give a bland wall a facelift.
Be sure to experiment with geometrical shapes or mosaic patterns that complement your home design. If the cost of stone is beyond your budget, you can opt for the hard-wearing faux tiles whose texture resembles the real stone. A good St Louis fence company should provide an elevation drawing that shows the design, textures, and colors for approval.
Climbing plants such as Ficus Pumila can add a new dimension to your fence. These climbers protect the stone from rain and wind. You can also use plants to mask an ugly wall. While most ivy varieties will naturally cling to your wall, you might need to provide the necessary support. Space the horizontal and vertical wires (40-50 cm) along the wall and fix them firmly with fasteners.
Why You Need a Properly-Built Fence
Besides separating two parcels of land, the fence installations guarantee privacy and security to your property. When constructed properly, it provides the opportunity to install electrical fencing or train climbing plants for aesthetics. However, your fencing company needs to reinforce it properly as it can crumble like a house of cards if you err during the design and construction processes.
FAQs • What does Public Works look for in fence design?
The City allows most roads to be closed for the staging of large equipment for construction or tree work. If you think you need to close a road, contact the Department of Public Works at least 48 hours before the proposed closure. There is a procedure to follow and a $70 fee. Access for emergency services must be maintained. Dead-end streets and some busy streets may not be closed. Two closures on one street will not be allowed if this creates an area with no outlets. Overnight closures are not allowed. The City does not allow the closure of roads for the staging of moving vans. Streets may be closed for block parties.
The most important factor for Public Works is how a fence hinders visibility. Tall, solid fences can block visibility for a car exiting a property. This is especially important in areas that have sidewalks. With a tall solid fence, a car backing out of a driveway, and a child on a bicycle on the sidewalk will not be able to see each other until it is too late. With the varied terrain and irregularly shaped lots in Mill Valley, the amount of sight distance necessary to be preserved is decided on a case-by-case basis. However, if you are submitting a fence application near a driveway or a road, it is suggested you start with a design that limits the fence height to 30 inches within a 10-foot triangular area on either side of the driveway or road.
The road rights-of-way in Mill Valley are typically 40 or 50 feet wide, while the paved roads are less than that. So a parking space may be off the pavement, but still in the right-of-way. The policy is that if a parking space is at least 50% in the right-of-way it is considered a public space and is available to anyone on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you pay to create a parking space more than 50% in the right-of-way it is still a public space even though you have paid for it. Any new parking spaces that may be created must be wide enough to hold a car completely off the paved roadway.
The City had a policy where streets were put into four categories, A through D. This policy is no longer in effect. The current policy is to consider rights-of-way as either City or private. There is a new policy regarding B streets, which are streets that have historically received minimal maintenance. The City Council has set aside annual funds exclusively for repairing B streets. DPW Staff prioritizes the repairs, and once completed, the B street classification is eliminated and the street is a normal City street with the same maintenance levels as other City streets. The streets that were called C or D are now considered private streets and do not receive City maintenance. Just because a street is called private does not mean someone can regulate passage on these streets. The private streets still have a right-of-way that allows the public to use these streets.
Drainage involves the natural flow of surface water across the property. Many factors affect drainage, including the topography of the property and the land upstream, the type of soil present, the type of development on the property (for example, whether the property is paved or landscaped), the localized drainage systems at the property (drains, gutters, ditches, and the like), among many others. Some properties may naturally be prone to flooding during heavy rain events. Adequate drainage is also important to hillside stability and landslide prevention.
To evaluate the adequacy of the drainage systems at your property, and to determine whether your property presents special risks (such as hillside properties), you should consult a California licensed specialist, such as a civil engineer, geotechnical engineer, or geologist, and obtain guidance on the need for regular slope and drainage inspections.
Yes. On a large development project such as building a new house, the City may ask you to submit a drainage plan, prepared by a California licensed engineer, as part of your application to develop your property. The installation of drainage facilities on such a project would be inspected by the City for compliance with the property owner's plan. Tie-ins to public drains or gutters in the public right-of-way require an Encroachment Permit.
Large-scale projects, such as rerouting the course of a storm drain or channel, require a Watercourse Modification Permit issued by the Department of Public Works. Work within a creek requires review and approval from several regulatory agencies, including the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Game, and possibly the Army Corps of Engineers. For further information, see the Department of Public Works fact sheet regarding work near creeks.
Yes. There are many measures that property owners can and should take to protect their property. These include, for example, controlling water that flows onto the property, controlling runoff on slopes, strengthening the soil to resist erosion, allowing for positive drainage at the property, installing adequate drains, gutters, and other devices at your property, among many others.
It is also important to maintain your drainage system, such as making sure drains are not clogged with leaves, replacing cracked drains and gutters promptly, and inspecting your drainage system regularly especially before, during, and after the rainy season. There are also many emergency preparedness measures you can take to protect your property from water damage, such as having sandbags, pumps, and plastic sheeting available before the rainy season. If you notice any unusual cracks, earth slippage, or settling, consult an expert immediately.
The connection referred to here is not the physical connection of the sewer pipe. It refers to allowing a dwelling unit to have its sewage transported by the City system and processed by the SASM treatment plant. The connection charge for second units is $1,250 for dwelling units less than 700 Square feet and $4,000 for units greater than 700 square feet. In addition, an annual Sewer Service Charge of $297 is levied on the second unit. The physical connecting of a second unit may also require a Plumbing Permit from the Building Department for work on private property and an Encroachment Permit for that portion of the work in the right-of-way.
Shared laterals are discouraged except for extreme circumstances where it is technically or environmentally infeasible to install a lateral into a City main sewer. This is because of the difficulty of assigning and accepting responsibility when repairs are needed or emergencies occur. Cost is not considered a qualifying factor. In the event that the Department concurs that a shared lateral is the only feasible alternative, a maintenance agreement between the parties must be prepared and recorded.
Regarding another property using your lateral, you should first refer to the title report for the property to find if there is a recorded easement. If there is no recorded easement, the property owner using your lateral may have continued rights of use through the history of use. The City cannot assist in this determination, as it ultimately must be determined in court. Property owners are always encouraged to make all reasonable attempts to work with each other before seeking legal recourse.
There are two main reasons for this problem. One is the connection of storm drains to the sewer system, which is illegal. If you have a downspout or area drain connected to your sewer, this should be corrected so the stormwater is discharged in an appropriate manner. The other common cause of this problem is old sewer lines, both City mains and private laterals. Older sewers were made of clay pipe, which can break or separate over the years, allowing rainwater in the ground to get into the pipe that leads to the treatment plant. You are strongly urged to have your lateral inspected and replaced if it is clay pipe. This will help reduce potential overflows at the SASM treatment plant.
The City has a winter grading moratorium. Grading is not allowed from October 15th to April 15th. There are no exceptions. This means all grading has to be completed by October 15th. If an excavation is going to be retained by a retaining wall or foundation, the wall or foundation must be completed by October 15th. If no retaining structures are included in the work, the site grading must be completed and the site winterized by October 15th. This would include the installation of any temporary or permanent erosion control measures. If construction work that includes excavation is anticipated to be near the deadline of October, a construction schedule must be approved by the Department. Unrealistic schedules will be rejected and the construction activities will need to include winterization until April 15th.
The City allows short-term use of the right-of-way for construction projects. Sometimes the topography of a site makes it impossible for delivery trucks to deliver their shipment on private property. You are allowed one day to move the material onto your own property. Any material stored in the road must fit in a legal parking space. Debris boxes are allowed in the right-of-way if you obtain an Encroachment Permit from the Department of Public Works. The cost is $10 per day in residential areas and $20 per day in metered spaces. The long-term use of the right-of-way for construction purposes is not allowed. The City does not allow the placement of job sheds, porta-potties or storage containers in the right-of-way. Storage in the right-of-way is not permitted over weekends.
It depends on who is doing the work and when.
If you are a Construction Professional (i.e. a Licensed Contractor) or an owner/occupant doing your own construction on a site with an active building permit:
- Monday through Friday through from 7 am to 8 am - Light noise associated with preparing the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools are permitted.
- Monday through Friday through from 8 am to 5 pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted.
- Monday through Friday through from 5 pm to 6 pm - Light noise associated with disassembling the job site is permitted. No heavy equipment power tools permitted.
- Saturdays, Sundays, and City Holidays - No construction is permitted. This does not include non-construction landscaping (landscape maintenance) which must abide by the standard (non-construction) noise ordinance requirements.
If you are an owner/occupant and are doing home maintenance not associated with a site with an active building permit:
Certain types of activities and noise sources associated with residential living are permitted under the City's municipal code. With the exception of gas-powered leaf blowers, low-noise generating power garden equipment (such as hedge clippers, weed-eaters, lawnmowers) is permitted as follows:
- Monday through Friday through from 7 am to 8 am - No heavy equipment power tools permitted
- Monday through Friday through from 8 am to 5 pm - Heavy equipment/power tool noise associated with construction is permitted
- Monday through Friday through from 5 pm to 6 pm - No heavy equipment power tools permitted
- Saturdays - Construction allowed 9 am to 5 pm by the homeowner(s) only (no outside help, hired or otherwise).
- Sundays and City Holidays - No construction is permitted
Please Note: Unless expressly permitted by the City of Mill Valley, landscape construction work is not permitted on weekends and holidays and must abide by the same rules as regular construction. This does not apply to landscape maintenance which must abide by the non-construction noise ordinance requirements.
No-Work Holidays:
- New Years Day
- MLK Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- 4th of July
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Complaints:
- Noise violations (including after hours construction) are handled by the Police Department. Please contact them as the violation is occurring so that they may address it directly. The Police Department can be reached at 415-389-.
Fences are allowed to be built in the right-of-way under certain conditions. There has to be a necessary reason why the fence can't be located on the property line. The right-of-way is for public use and fencing to expand yard size is prohibited. Given the City's hilly topography, fences sometimes need to be placed in the right-of-way to accomplish their purpose. Fences are not allowed to be placed closer than three feet from the edge of the road. This allows for a recovery area for pedestrians. Gates are not allowed to swing over a road or sidewalk.
Fences or other surface improvements are not allowed within the Steps, Lanes, and Paths throughout the City. Fences require an Encroachment Permit from DPW as well as fence permits from the Planning Department.
Trees on Private Property
There are two types of tree-cutting permits required by the City of Mill Valley: one for trees on city property and one for trees on private property. The Department of Planning and Building oversees those on private property.
The City of Mill Valley's Planning Department requires a permit to remove four or more (non-Heritage) trees on a developed site per year. The City requires a permit to remove any Heritage tree. In addition, no tree may be removed from a vacant site without a permit. There are certain exceptions to the permit requirements based on tree size, emergencies, and vegetative management.
The Supplemental Application Form for Tree Removal Permit provides the application requirements (submit with the Planning Application Form). The current fee for a Tree Removal Permit is $775 for a Heritage Tree. For 4 or more non-Heritage Trees on a developed lot or a Heritage Oak Tree with Sudden Oak Death, the fee is $76 per tree. Please allow up to 30 days for the process and approval of these tree permits.
For more information regarding Private tree trimming or removals call Planning Department at 415-388-.
Trees on City Property
The Department of Public Works, Parks Supervisor oversees the application process for pruning and removal of trees on city property. A permit is required to trim, brace or alter or remove any tree on city property. The current permit fee to trim, brace or alter trees is $25. The current permit fee to remove a tree under 20" in diameter is $25 per tree and for trees over 20 inches in diameter is $100 per tree. Fees are due at the time of the permit request. An Application for Pruning and Removal of City Trees, along with fee payment, must be turned into the Parks Department for processing prior to any work on city trees.
For more information regarding City tree trimming or removals call the Department of Public Works at 415-388-
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Highway Fencing.
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