Where Should I Put My Fence?
When building a new fence, one of the most important decisions you’ll make—alongside choosing the right material—is deciding where to place it. While this might seem straightforward, several factors can influence your fence’s location.
Common Fence Placement
For most homeowners, the typical placement is to enclose the entire backyard, aligning the fence with the property lines on both sides and at the rear. However, this isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Even if there are no outside restrictions from the city, county, or a Homeowners Association (HOA), there are still some key decisions to consider.
Aesthetic and Functional Considerations
Some decisions are based on appearance. For instance, you might want your fence to align with your neighbor’s fence or blend with existing trees and landscaping. Others are more functional. Do you want the water spigot inside or outside the fence? Is your air conditioning unit in a safe spot, away from curious kids? Will your dog be able to escape under a raised deck? These are just a few of the practical considerations we can help you address to ensure your fence fits your needs.
Local Regulations and Utility Considerations
Your local city or county may also have rules about fence placement. Typically, front yard fences can’t be taller than four feet. Setback requirements, such as keeping a certain distance from sidewalks or city ponds, might also apply. For example, you may need to set your fence 10 feet away from a pond, even if your property line extends closer.
Utility companies can also complicate fence installation. Before we begin, we always call Iowa One Call (811) to locate underground utilities. Municipal providers (like electric, water, and sewer) will usually mark their lines, while third-party companies mark others, such as Vanguard and USIC will often mark utilities such as internet, gas, and electric if not owned by a municipality (such as Mediacom and Mid-American Energy). Unfortunately, these lines are often near property lines where fences typically go, which can add complexity.
If utility lines run within 18 inches of where we plan to dig, we must hand-dig the post holes to avoid damaging them. This adds labor and cost, so if you find utilities near your planned fence line and don’t want to pay for hand-digging, you might need to adjust the fence’s location.
Another complication involves utility boxes. Utility workers need access to these boxes, so fences must allow for clearance. For electrical boxes, we recommend a 10-foot clearance on the front (padlock side) and 3 feet on other sides. Other utilities generally need a 3-foot clearance. To accommodate this, we can either cut a diagonal “dog-ear” corner around the box or create a series of right-angle corners to jog around it.
Landscape Considerations
Landscaping is another factor. If a tree is near your property line or its branches obstruct the fence’s path, you’ll need to decide whether to remove the tree or adjust the fence location. Additionally, you should consider future tree growth. Trees can push through fences over time, so it’s often best to build the fence around trees rather than through them to preserve the fence’s structural integrity.
Gate Placement
Once you’ve decided on the fence location, you’ll need to think about gate placement. Many homeowners opt for a gate on each side of the house, but your needs may vary based on how you want to access the yard, for example, for pets or kids. You might also want a double gate for vehicle or large mower access.
It’s best to avoid placing gates on corners, as corner posts lack the structural stability of in-line posts. If a corner must support a gate, the post may need to be heavier, and the concrete footing may need to be deeper to prevent deflection. Additionally, if the latch post is in the corner, careful planning is required to ensure the latch functions properly. Finally, try to place gates on the flattest part of your yard for easier access, though we can custom-build sloped gates if necessary.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the important considerations when planning your fence. We’re here to help you find the perfect location for your fence and gates, ensuring a smooth and successful project.
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