In case you have a new home or already own a house for several years, installing a fence is necessary to protect and secure your property from intruders. A fence not only gives you more privacy, but it also increases property valuation. If you want to invest in a vinyl privacy fence, order a customized one from Duramax. However, before purchasing a white vinyl privacy fence that’s a huge favorite among Californians, you need to know about the laws and permits related to fencing. The location of your property, the fence height, and where to build the fence are some things that determine whether a permit is important. Applying for a permit at the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is highly recommended before starting with the fence project, as you don’t have to worry about the fence getting pulled down for not being at par with the building codes.
However, it’s not challenging to build a fence in California, and this article will tell you about the fence laws and permits that Californians need to put up with when they plan to add a vinyl fence.
Do you need a fence permit?
If you live in California, then you need to abide by the laws on building a fence on your property, and as a property owner, you might need a permit. However, not all fences require a special permission for the construction. Three factors determine whether you need a permit for the fence or not.
- Location
- Fence height
- Where on the land do you intend to install the fence
For example, if you stay in a highly populated area in California, then getting a permit might be important. On the other hand, in a rural location, you might not need a permit to build a new fence. In that event, adding a small vinyl privacy fence less than 6 feet in height is ideal, as you can easily build the fence without needing to obtain any permit.
As per Crest Real Estate, if you consider the California Building Codes, then fences lower than 6 feet in height don’t require a permit. Additionally, before installing a fence, you need to read through the homeowner’s association guidelines or the local laws. In most cases, the front yard fence shouldn’t be more than 4 feet, and the fence in the backyard can’t be more than 6 feet tall. However, you need to remember that local laws do not surpass state laws regarding fence construction procedures.
If you are aware of the fencing laws in California, you don’t have to worry about the building inspectors shutting down the fence project. However, the professionals at Duramax can guide you with your fence project and ensure you don’t get into trouble with the authorities.
California Good Neighbor Fence Law
If you are living in California and contemplating installing a white vinyl privacy fence, you must be acquainted with the California Good Neighbor Act detailed in California Civil Code 841. This fence law talks about the rights and responsibilities of the people when they share a fence located at the property’s boundary line. Any person who wants to get a part of the shared fence replaced or perform general fence maintenance will need to notify the neighboring property owners of the work taking place within 30 days. In other words, your neighbors need to be informed whenever you repair or perform fence maintenance. You should inform your neighbors beforehand because they are equally responsible for construction costs and possible replacements of the shared fence. Even if the fence needs maintenance, the costs should be shared between you and the neighbor.
Furthermore, when you build a new shared fence or restore an old one with a new vinyl privacy fence, you should send an official letter to the affected homeowners. This is a good neighbor fence letter and needs to be prepared with the following:
- A comprehensive explanation to replace, fix or build a fence
- A explanation with details on why the fence will correct the existing issue
- An assessed timeline for the replacement, repair, or fence installation
- A blank space for the signature to be made
What if you need a fence permit?
If you are planning to build a very tall fence on your property, then you might need a fence permit. You can obtain the permit after applying to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). However, before the installation begins, there are a few things to note:
- Firstly, ask the local city hall or LADBS if a fence permit is at all needed for the installation (not all fences need permits)
- Pay for the fees when you submit the application
- Consider drafting a fence plan
- Get written formal consent from the neighbors and pictures of the construction zone and submit them to the LADBS
- Get a surveyor to have a look at the property to decide the boundary lines
Before you start digging holes for the fence installation, identify the underground power, water, and gas lines
Even if the application gets accepted by LADBS, certain municipalities will ask you to conduct more inspections during construction. Even after the work is finished, a final inspection takes place, and subsequently you will obtain a ‘seal of approval’ which states that the fence complies to local building codes and meets the necessary guidelines.
Why invest in Duramax Fences?
If you have already decided to install a fence to protect your property, then invest in DIY Duramax vinyl fences. Our fences come with a limited lifetime warranty and are designed to withstand the intense heat of the southwest sun. Our DIY fences come at factory-direct rates and are shipped within two weeks. Duramax Fences is a one-time investment lasting 30 to 40 years with minimal upkeep. To learn more, book a free consultation now. Request a no-obligation quote now.
