Construction Fence

Construction Fence Building Code:  3307.7

For every construction site involving the erection of a new building or the demolition of an existing one, it is mandatory to establish a secure perimeter using a construction fence.

In addition, fences should be promptly installed, either fully or partially, to enclose sites whenever there is an open excavation, an exposed section of a building accessible at ground level, or any other potential hazards that pose a risk to the general public. These fences must meet certain specifications, including a minimum height requirement of 8 feet 

Construction fences should be constructed using durable materials such as wood or other suitable substances, ensuring a solid build along their entire length. To effectively seal off the site, the fences should be extended and connected at the ends as needed.

This comprehensive approach aims to prioritize safety and prevent unauthorized access to construction areas, mitigating potential dangers that may arise from ongoing building activities.

For more information regarding Temporary Construction Fence and the details, you can check the blog post by clicking on it

Related Building Code to Construction fence:

Below, I have compiled an assortment of relevant New York City building codes that pertain to the construction of fences. This compilation is intended to serve as a valuable resource for your reference:

Location of the construction fence 3307.7.1.

A fence should be constructed along the inner edge of the sidewalk or walkway, as well as along the property lines. In cases where a fence is installed to partially enclose a site, its placement should prevent public access to any excavations or unenclosed sections of the building that are accessible at ground level.

The installation of fences must be carried out in a manner that does not unreasonably obstruct or impede visual or physical traffic flow, including curb cuts, curb ramps, vehicular access points, street lighting poles, traffic lights or signs, fire hydrants, fire department connections, water sampling stations, bus shelters, street furniture, trees, ingress/egress points, or access to underground structures such as vaults and manholes.

Exceptions to these requirements include the possibility of fences encroaching onto the sidewalk, subject to compliance with the Department of Transportation regulations. Furthermore, it is not mandatory to install a fence along the shared wall of an adjacent property, as long as no materials are stored along that wall during the course of construction work.

Gates 3307.7.2.

The gates within the construction site should either slide or swing towards areas that are off-limits to the general public. These gates should be installed only in necessary locations to enable site access or facilitate work operations. It is crucial that the gates match the same material and construction as the rest of the fence.

Except for specific circumstances such as loading and unloading activities, active movement of individuals or vehicles in and out of the site, or when work in proximity to the gate requires it, the gates must remain closed at all times.

There is an exception to this rule, wherein chain link gates may be incorporated into a solid fence, subject to approval by the commissioner.

Construction Fence Viewing panels. 3307.7.3 

For solid fences constructed on or after July 1, 2013, it is required to incorporate viewing panels. These panels should be provided at a rate of one for every 25 linear feet (7.6 m) of frontage, with a minimum of one per frontage. The dimensions of each viewing panel should be 12 inches by 12 inches.

To ensure durability, the panels should be made of non frangible acrylic or an equivalent sturdy material. The top of the viewing panel shouldn’t be more than 6 feet above ground level, while the bottom of the panel should be located no lower than 3 feet above ground level. These specifications are aimed at providing opportunities for visual inspection while maintaining the necessary structural integrity of the fence.

Chain link construction fences or gates. 3307.7.4 

When using a chain link fence or gate, the following conditions must be met:

1. The fence or gate should be constructed using new materials. If salvaged materials are used, they must be in good condition.

2. Fence posts should be made of galvanized steel pipe, ensuring adequate rigidity. These posts should be suitable for installation in concrete footings, driven into the ground, or inserted into precast concrete blocks. The spacing of the posts should maintain the necessary rigidity to form a secure exterior fence.

3. The fence or gate must be composed of woven, galvanized steel wire mesh. This mesh should possess sufficient strength and rigidity to prevent unauthorized access to the site.

4. An opaque and sturdy cloth “windscreen” fabric or an equivalent netting should be securely attached to the fence or gate at all locations. The attachment should be in accordance with the specifications provided by the manufacturer. The fabric or netting, along with the fence, must be well-maintained, presenting a neat, rigid, and taut appearance.

Design of construction fences. 3307.7.5 

The design of fence installations must be carried out by a registered design professional. The impact of wind on the fence should be taken into account during the design process, following the guidelines outlined in Chapter 16.

However, there is an exception to this requirement. Fences constructed in conjunction with the construction or demolition of a one-, two-, or three-family building that is 40 feet or shorter in height are exempt from this design professional requirement.

Installation and removal of construction fences. 3307.7.6 

The fences mandated by this section must be installed before work begins. These required fences should not be taken down until one of the following conditions is met:

1. The site has been filled and leveled, eliminating all potential dangers to the public.

2. The building’s exterior has been fully enclosed, including the installation of doors and windows. Additionally, all exterior construction work, except for minor tasks such as landscaping, painting, weatherproofing, or the placement of signs or fixtures, has been finished.

Condition of construction fences. 3307.7.7 

It is required that all fences, including any accompanying windscreens or netting, are installed, adjusted, repaired, and maintained in a proper and functional state. They should be free from any protruding or loose nails, wood, or metal components. Additionally, the fence posts should be upright and properly secured to prevent any leaning or overturning. These measures ensure the fence remains sturdy and intact.

Color of a construction fence. 3307.7.9

Fences that are constructed on or after July 1, 2013, are required to be painted in a shade of hunter green.However, there is an exception to this rule. If the sidewalk shed installed at the site is of a model that has won a design competition acknowledged by the city, the fence is permitted to be painted in the same color as the shed.