Do You Need a Permit for a Temporary Fence?

Maybe you’re trying to create a sense of organization and security for a large event through temporary fencing. Or, maybe you are trying to protect your job site from trespassers or theft.

Either way, temporary fencing can be an affordable, efficient solution. However, the process of actually getting your fence erected is filled with complexities and uncertainties – from figuring out what to use as a temporary fence to actually learning how to put up temporary fence.

Another common question we get asked here at Viking Rental is – do you need a permit for a temporary fence? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as clear cut as a simple “yes” or “no”.

Your local authorities such as the government entities and homeowner’s associations play a part in influencing whether or not permitting is necessary. But more often than not, job sites and events do need to secure permitting before setting up a temporary fence.

Failure to do so could result in legal action such as fines or stop work orders that delay your timeline or interfere with your event going off as planned.

The good news? We’ll help you avoid all this by walking you through securing temporary fence permits below, or better yet, leveraging our rental partnership here at Viking to avoid all the hassle and headache! We’re the #1 best temporary fence provider in Texas since 1972.

Do You Need a Permit for a Temporary Fence?

Let’s get right to it – you do need a permit for a temporary fence? As we just mentioned, there are a few moving pieces to consider here, including:

Where you’re located
The purpose of the fence
The type of fencing
And more

All this uncertainty can make what should be a simple, straightforward process overwhelming – but we’ll leave you with a clear understanding of your next steps below.

Does Your Jurisdiction Require Temporary Fence Permitting?

The requirements for temporary fence permits will vary from city to city and county to county. Here in Texas, some cities may require permits based on the fence’s size, location, and duration, while others might not require a permit unless the fence affects public areas or meets certain structural criteria.

This is why it’s important to consult with local building authorities or municipal planning departments to understand the specific requirements applicable to your area.

As much of a headache as it can be to deal with these people, it will at least offer you peace of mind knowing you’re staying on the right side of the law. Speaking of which, what could happen if you choose to ignore the need for permitting and go forward without one?

Consequences of Erecting a Temporary Fence Without a Permit

Failing to secure the proper permits can lead to several consequences, from fines to complete stoppage of your workflow:

Legal and Financial Penalties: These fines can accumulate daily, depending on the local enforcement policies. At a certain point, you’ll look back and wish you’d just paid for the initial permit as these start to rack up!
Project Delays: An unpermitted fence may need to be dismantled until proper permits are obtained, leading to delays in construction or event timelines. This can strain your operational efficiency and tarnish your reputation if clients become frustrated as a result of the work stoppage.
Liability Issues: Should an unpermitted fence lead to any accidents or injuries, liability may fall more heavily on the party that failed to secure the necessary permits, potentially leading to lawsuits or higher insurance claims.

The truth is that it’s simply not worth it when a temporary fence permit is fully accessible. We’ll show you how to secure one for your project or event below so you can avoid all these risks.

How to Secure Permitting for Your Temporary Fencing

The actual process of securing a temporary fence permit is straightforward – that doesn’t mean it’ll be smooth sailing, though.

Anytime there’s red tape at play you can expect to be met with roadblocks. This is why attempting to secure your permitting well in advance of when you need to put up your fence is so important. Here’s an overview of the step-by-step process:

Research Local Requirements: Visit your city or county’s official website or contact the local building department to gather information on the permit requirements for temporary fencing. This includes any specific codes for the fence’s height, material, and location.
Prepare Necessary Documentation: You typically need to provide a site plan that shows the placement of the fence on the property. This plan should include measurements and detail any nearby structures or public rights-of-way. You may also need to submit details about the fence material and construction to ensure it complies with safety standards.
Application Submission: Fill out the necessary permit application forms provided by your local building or planning department. Accuracy and thoroughness will help you avoid delays in processing. Some jurisdictions may allow online submissions, while others require in-person submissions.
Pay Required Fees: Be prepared to pay the fee associated with the permit application at the time of submission. The actual amount will depend on your location and the complexity of your project. Fees tend to be non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Await Approval: Your application will be reviewed by local authorities as quickly as a few days or as long as several weeks after submission. Your site plan and fence specifications will be scrutinized to determine if they meet all local regulations and safety standards.
Address Any Issues: You may be asked to make corrections or provide additional details if there are any issues with your application, such as missing information or non-compliance with local codes. Respond promptly to avoid further delays.
Receive Your Permit: Once your application is approved, you will receive your permit. This document typically needs to be displayed prominently at the site where the fencing will be installed, or you might be required to have it available on-site for inspection.

There you have it! You can now get to work preparing for permit application with these tips. In the meantime, here is more advice on actually setting up and maintaining your fencing.

More Tips on Setting Up and Maintaining Temporary Fencing

Setting up and maintaining temporary fencing effectively ensures it fulfills its purpose, whether for security, privacy, or crowd control. Here’s what you need to consider to ensure this project goes off without a hitch:

Choose the Right Type of Fence: Select a fence type that suits the specific needs of your site or event, from lightweight plastic barriers for small events to heavier-duty metal fences for construction sites.
Check the Terrain: Figure out where the fence will be placed before installation. Flat, stable surfaces are ideal, while uneven or soft ground may require additional support or adjustments to ensure stability.
Space Posts Properly: Speaking of stability, space the posts correctly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maximize stability and the fence’s effectiveness. Improper spacing can lead to weak spots that may cause the fence to fail under stress.
Secure Connections: Connecting fence panels may involve locks or ties that prevent panels from separating and potentially creating gaps that could allow access or escape.
Accessibility Considerations: If your site requires entry and exit points, include gates that are easy to operate. Position gates strategically to facilitate smooth flow while maintaining security.
Regular Inspections: Constantly assess the integrity and stability of the fencing. Look for signs of damage, such as bending, rusting, or breakage, especially after high winds or heavy use.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Be ready to reinforce or temporarily dismantle sections of fencing in the case of severe weather, such as high winds or heavy snow, which could topple or damage the structure.

This is just a brief overview of actually installing a temporary fence, which can be quite an involved process, especially for larger sites. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle this yourself – you can lean on the support of a tried-and-true fencing provider in Viking Rental.

Put the Stress of Permitting in the Past With the Help of Viking Rental!

Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to stress about permitting or a DIY temporary fence installation at all? Where can I rent temporary fencing to avoid all the hassle and headaches associated with this process? Look no further.

With Viking Rental, we handle everything on your behalf so you can focus your attention on the job site or event. With more than 50 years of experience as a trusted Texas business, you can rest assured your fencing is in good hands!

You gain access to all the different types of temporary fencing through our service, from simple temporary chain link fence rental to temporary fence panel rental, and even barbed wire fence rental for extra security needs. We also install temporary fence gates as needed to facilitate easy entry and exit from your site.

All of our equipment is state-of-the-art and our installation team is seasoned, so you can trust that you’re getting the rigid, complaint fencing solution you need. Expect exceptional customer service every step of the way, too, along with affordable temporary chain link fence rental prices.

So, get in touch today and put the stress of securing temporary fencing in the past with the most trusted choice in Texas. Peace of mind is just a few clicks away!

Bringing Our Guide on Temporary Fence Permitting to a Close

So, do you need a permit for a temporary fence? It all depends, but most of the time, yes – especially for commercial use, like securing a job site or event.

Understanding local regulations, preparing necessary documentation, and ensuring your fencing meets all safety standards are key steps in the permitting process. We hope this detailed guide has left you with a clear understanding of the implications of failing to comply with permitting requirements and your next steps to avoid these issues.

You can learn more about the cost to rent temporary fence, what is a temporary fence, or how to install a barbed wire fence in our blog if you’d like. At this point, though, it’s time to put the stress and uncertainty of temporary fencing behind you once and for all by connecting with Viking Rental.

From permitting to setup, maintenance, and teardown, you can count on us to deliver exceptional service so you can keep your team focused on what matters most. Let us help you streamline your next project!