Site Prep & Civil Support

Fence installation is straightforward when the site is ready,clear fence line, consistent grade, stable soil, no hidden obstacles. Without preparation, installation crews encounter problems that slow work, compromise quality, and add cost: roots and rocks blocking post holes, grades that create gaps or burial, water pooling at gates, unstable soil that will not hold posts.

Site prep addresses these issues before fence installation begins. The investment in preparation pays back in faster installation, better results, and fewer problems over the fence's life. Skipping site prep to save money usually costs more in the end.

The scope of site prep varies dramatically by project. A residential fence on a flat, clear lot may need minimal preparation. A commercial fence crossing variable terrain with drainage issues, underground utilities, and obstacles requires comprehensive civil work.

Water is the enemy of fence and gate systems. Standing water rots wood, corrodes metal, undermines post foundations, and disables gate operators. Managing drainage during site prep prevents these problems.

At gates, water must flow away from the gate path, not pool in it. For slide gates, water in the track causes corrosion and freezing problems. For swing gates, soft ground in the swing path causes dragging. Grading directs water away; drains or swales handle concentrated flow.

Along fence lines, drainage affects post longevity. Posts standing in saturated soil experience accelerated decay (wood) or corrosion (steel at the soil line). Grading that drains water away from posts extends their life.

In our region, wet season drainage is a primary concern. Sites that seem dry in summer may be saturated for months in winter. Design for wet conditions, not dry.

Fence lines must be clear for installation. Obstacles include vegetation (brush, trees, roots), debris (construction waste, old fencing), and subsurface conditions (rocks, old foundations, abandoned utilities).

Vegetation clearing ranges from brush cutting to tree removal. Roots are often the bigger challenge,they block post holes and continue growing after the fence is installed. For permanent fence lines, grubbing roots is better than cutting around them.

Subsurface obstacles are not visible until excavation begins. Rocks, old concrete, abandoned pipes, and other buried items can block post holes or conflict with planned foundations. Site prep addresses known obstacles; installation crews handle unexpected discoveries.

On previously developed sites, old fence lines, foundations, and utilities often remain underground. Investigation before installation,probing, test holes, or ground-penetrating radar for critical sites,identifies obstacles before they cause delays.

Pedestrian gates at public accommodations, commercial properties, and multi-family housing must meet ADA accessibility requirements. Site prep establishes the grades that make compliance possible.

ADA limits slope at accessible routes to 1:20 (5%) for running slope and 1:48 (2%) for cross slope. Ramps can be steeper (up to 1:12 or 8.33%) but require handrails and landings. These requirements affect grading at pedestrian gate locations.

Level landings are required at gates,typically 60 inches minimum in the direction of travel, level with the gate threshold. Grading must provide these level areas while transitioning to surrounding grades.

Accessible routes must connect to the pedestrian gate from parking, building entries, and public ways. Site prep may need to address the entire accessible path, not just the immediate gate area.

Site prep work may require permits depending on scope and jurisdiction. Grading permits are common for work exceeding certain thresholds (often 50 cubic yards of material moved). Utility work may require separate permits.

Stormwater regulations affect grading and excavation. Disturbing soil can create erosion and sediment that affects waterways. Best management practices (BMPs) such as silt fences, sediment traps, and stabilization are often required.

Local regulations vary significantly. Some jurisdictions have minimal requirements for small projects; others regulate almost all ground disturbance. We verify requirements for each project and obtain necessary permits.

Documentation supports compliance. Photos, measurements, and testing results demonstrate that work meets requirements. For projects requiring inspection, documentation provides evidence of compliance.