How to write a fence installation permit narrative
Fence permits are mostly a zoning check: height, setbacks, and sight triangles at corners. Your narrative should make the zoning call easy — exact heights by location, distance from property lines, and materials — so it never needs a site visit to approve.
What your narrative needs to include
- Fence height (by segment if it varies front vs. rear)
- Location relative to property lines
- Total length and materials
- Post spacing and footing
- Corner lot sight-triangle compliance if applicable
- Gates and their swing direction if relevant
Example: a complete fence installation narrative
Project Description
This project involves installation of approximately 120 linear feet of new 6-foot wood privacy fence along the rear and side property lines, and 40 linear feet of 3-foot picket fence at the front yard, replacing a deteriorated existing fence in the same alignment.
Scope of Work
- Remove and dispose of existing fencing
- Set 4x4 pressure-treated posts at 8-foot spacing in 24-inch concrete footings
- Install 6-foot cedar privacy panels at rear and side yards
- Install 3-foot cedar picket sections at front yard, maintaining sight triangle at the driveway
- Install two gates: one 4-foot side yard gate and one 10-foot double drive gate
Materials & Methods
Pressure-treated 4x4 posts, cedar pickets and rails, galvanized fasteners, concrete footings.
Work Not Included
Retaining walls. Masonry columns. Work on the neighboring side of the property line.
Contractor Statement
Fence heights and locations comply with the applicable zoning ordinance, including corner visibility requirements. Work will be performed in a workmanlike manner per standard construction practice.
Mistakes that get fence installation permits kicked back
- One blanket height when front-yard limits are lower than rear
- Not addressing the sight triangle on corner lots
- Ambiguity about which side of the property line the fence sits on
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