Saratoga Springs Fence Installation: A Homeowner’s Guide

What to Know Before Installation

Fencing in Saratoga Springs can feel like a lot of steps. With many areas regulated by HOAs, historic councils, and area-specific zoning laws, you might end up juggling a lot of paperwork. Then add in potentially tight lot lines and neighbor disputes, and you have your work cut out. Working with an experienced fence contractor can help you work your way through every step without stressful delays. Still, discussing your new project with your neighbor is all you.

Avoiding Neighbor Disputes

Whether your neighbor is your best friend or nemesis, having your property survey ready to dissolve any disputes that may arise is always a good idea. Your property survey determines where your property ends and where your neighbor’s property begins. You should already have your property survey, but if you don’t, you can pay to have one done. You will need it for any application packets that apply to your project. To optimize your space when working with tight lot lines, it helps to have a neighbor on board with your new build, so you can work out having your fence placed closer to your lot line. 

Historic District Fencing

To build a fence in a historic district, you will need approval from the Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission. To receive approval, you must submit your fence plans, property survey, and diagrams with your application. The DRC will review your plans and respond within 4-6 weeks. If your application is denied for any reason, the reason for the denial should be outlined so you can adjust your plans and reapply. Working with a fence contractor helps you avoid delays by ensuring your application packet includes all the required paperwork as well as reads clearly, so there aren’t any miscommunications.

HOA Approval

HOAs work in a similar manner. If you live in a homeowners’ association, you’ll need their approval for your fence installation. To receive approval, you must submit your fence plans, property survey, and diagrams with your application. The only differences here are the height, style, and material requirements. Each area will have its own set of guidelines for what your fence can look like.

City & Town Permits

If you’re wondering whether you need a fence or building permit for your fence plan, the answer depends entirely on where precisely you are located. In general, in Albany, you need a builder’s permit from the city, but in Saratoga Springs, some areas are governed by the Unified Development Ordinance, which does not require a building permit as long as your fence plans adhere to their specific guidelines. It never hurts to call your local municipality to inquire about the specific requirements for your address. 

Height, Style, and Material

The Unified Development Ordinance, Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission, and HOA councils will all have their own set of regulations on fencing. They can dictate what height your fence should be, the style of fence you can build, and even the material it’s made out of. This is why knowing which permits you need to pull is so crucial to your fence build; avoiding non-compliance fees can be tricky. When you work with a local fence contractor like Superior Fence & Rail of Albany, they do the hard work for you. 

3 Questions to Ask a Fence Contractor

When you’re shopping around for a fence contractor, there are a few key questions you should be asking to evaluate their credibility. Never be afraid to ask these questions; asking them protects your investment and saves you from potentially wasted time. 

1. Are you insured?

If they aren’t insured, your property isn’t protected from damage in the event of an accident. A good contractor will have insurance. 

2. How do you help with permitting and paperwork?

You really want a fence contractor that handles the pesky paperwork.

3. Can you show me your previous work?

Reviewing their work ensures you like their product; if they can’t show you, that’s a red flag. 

The 3 Red Flags of Fencing

There are a few red flags to watch for when hiring a fence contractor. The first red flag is having no references. If a fence contractor has no references or reviews to back up their “quality” work, they probably don’t have any quality work. The next is no warranty. If a fence company isn’t willing to provide a warranty, you should question why they don’t trust their product. The last red flag, and this one is a huge one, is any fence company that is cash only or wants a lump sum up front. Large untraceable amounts of money, that’s not something you should risk, and a quality fence company in Saratoga Springs wouldn’t ask you to.