Get matched with top fencing pros in Oak Brook, IL

You can sometimes install a fence over a gas line. Fence installation typically requires a two-foot depth for posts, so if the lines are shallower than two feet, you cannot put a fence post over the line. You’ll need to call 811 to get the gas lines located and marked before you start the project.

Whether you need a permit to build or install a fence depends on several factors, including your location, the fence's height, its placement in your yard, and the materials used. In many cities and highly populated areas, a permit is required, especially for fences taller than 6 feet. Conversely, rural areas may have fewer restrictions. Typically, backyard privacy fences 6 feet or shorter do not require a permit, while front yard fences often have a lower height limit, sometimes as low as 3.5 feet. There can also be exceptions for properties in mixed residential-commercial zones. It's best to check with your local building inspection or zoning department to understand the specific requirements, height restrictions, and location rules for your area. A professional fence installer can help you navigate this process and often secure the necessary permits for you, though this may extend the project timeline.

Do you need a permit to build a fence if you are simply replacing an existing fence? Whether you need a permit in this case depends on your local laws and regulations. Most municipalities consider a fence replacement project as being equal to building a new fence, so you likely will need a permit. Check with your local building inspection department or zoning department to see if you need a permit. If you hire a local fence contractor, this pro can take care of obtaining all permits for you.

Deer can crawl under a fence if it has a gap of around 6 inches or more. Make sure to close all gaps at the bottom of your fence to keep deer out, and the bottom of the material should be tightly secured, or the deer will push right through it. As an added benefit, closing shorter gaps at the bottom of a fence can also keep rabbits out of your yard.