Fence Installation FAQs for NYC Homeowners

In most cases, no — fences under 8 feet generally do not require a DOB building permit. But zoning height limits still apply (4 feet in front yards, 6 feet on sides and rear in most residential districts), landmark districts have their own approval process, and some Long Island villages require permits for any fence. We confirm the rules for your specific lot before quoting.

In most NYC residential districts: 4 feet maximum in the front yard, 6 feet on side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional visibility requirements at the intersection. Commercial and industrial districts allow taller fences. On Long Island, each town or village sets its own limits — we check yours during the free site visit.

Yes — most fences go on or just inside the line. For shared lines, we strongly recommend a survey or a written agreement with your neighbor first. It is the cheapest dispute insurance in fencing, and it prevents the most common neighbor conflicts we see.

Most residential jobs land between $3,000 and $12,000 depending on material and length. Chain link runs $20–$35 per foot, cedar $30–$55, vinyl $45–$75, ornamental steel $60–$110, and custom wrought iron $90–$150+. Our 2026 cost guide has full ranges.

Most residential fences take 2–4 days from post-setting to final walkthrough. Custom ironwork takes longer — typically 3–6 weeks from measurement to install — because it is fabricated to order.

It depends on the job. Wrought iron for front-yard curb appeal and historic districts. Cedar for backyard privacy with natural looks. Vinyl for zero maintenance. Chain link for security on a budget. During your free estimate we recommend based on your yard, your block, and your budget — we install all of them.

Yes — we install year-round. Concrete footings cure fine in cold weather with proper technique, and winter scheduling is often faster than spring.

Yes, with Landmarks Preservation Commission approval for street-visible changes. We design to LPC standards — matching historic profiles for ironwork — and provide the documentation applications require.

Both. We repair leaning posts, rotted sections, rusted ironwork, sagging gates, and dead openers — and we will tell you honestly when a repair costs more than replacement.

Pool enclosure gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches out of children's reach, and the barrier must meet minimum height requirements (48 inches). We build every pool gate to code as standard practice.

Galvanized iron: 30–50+ years. Quality vinyl: 20–30 years. Cedar: 15–20 years. Pressure-treated pine: 10–15 years. Chain link: 15–25 years. In every case, the posts and footings determine the real lifespan — which is why we set every post deep in concrete.

We serve Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island (Nassau & western Suffolk) — including Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Forest Hills, Flushing, Astoria, Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Riverdale. If you are in the metro area, call us.