Temporary Construction Fence

In this post first, i explain what is Temporary construction fence, why we call it temporary, and why we need this for the project

What is Temporary Construction Fence

Temporary construction fences are a crucial component of any construction site Especially in New York City, serving as a protective barrier to separate pedestrians from the construction work taking place. However, failure to comply with construction fence building codes can lead to violations or stop work orders from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), causing project delays and financial losses. In this post, we will discuss the best practices for constructing a temporary construction fence in New York City to avoid DOB violations.

Construction Fence Requirements

The DOB mandates that all construction sites that pose a potential hazard to the public must have a temporary construction fence approval. This includes demolition, excavation, facade work, enlargement, extension, or new building projects. The supporting documents required for a construction fence permit are necessary to pull the permit and start the job.

The fence must be at least 8 feet high, made of wood or other approved materials, and colored hunter green. The fence must be located along the edge of the property line and have a sliding or swinging door that must remain closed except for active use.

A fully enclosed fence with no gaps between panels is necessary to prevent unauthorized access to the construction site. A viewing panel must be provided every 25 feet. The viewing panel is a 12-inch by 12-inch opening covered with non-frangible material such as transparent plastic. The top of the viewing panel must be no more than 6 feet above the level of the ground, and the bottom of the viewing panel must be no less than 3 feet above the ground level.

If you want to learn more about The Temporary Construction Fence Building Code,and more details in NYC, you can check the related Code Directory blog post by clicking on it

It is also important to have a signs and project information panel at 4 feet above the grade on the fence for public information. This panel must be made of durable, waterproof material such as plastic or aluminum. The signs should provide clear information about the project, including the name of the contractor, the permit number, and emergency contact information. The project information panel must be easily visible and legible.

When exactly you need to hire a Licensed Contractor to obtain a permit

When it comes to obtaining a permit for a temporary construction fence, there are two options available: hiring a licensed contractor or a registered design professional. If the project involves the construction or demolition of a one-, two-, or three-family building, a licensed contractor may submit the temporary construction fence application to the DOB instead of a registered design professional

Temporary construction fences can be installed in connection with the construction or demolition of one-, two-, or three-family buildings when the application’s drawings align with the design criteria specified in the Approved Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Minutes. Additionally, the installation of these fences may be permitted as outlined in BC 3307.7.5.

When you need to hire a Registered Design Professional(RA or PE) and Licensed Contractor to obtain a permit

However, if the project exceeds the limitations mentioned above, a registered design professional must submit construction plans for approval by the DOB before obtaining a work permit.

To avoid DOB violations, it is important to comply with all construction fence building codes and regulations. Failure to do so can result in fines, stop work order. Therefore, it is essential to hire a licensed contractor or a registered design professional who has experience in constructing temporary construction fences and can ensure compliance with DOB regulations.

As a result

Constructing a temporary construction fence in New York City is a critical component of any construction project. It is important to comply with all DOB regulations and codes to avoid violations and stop work orders.

The fence must be at least 8 feet high, made of approved materials, and colored hunter green. The fence must be located along the edge of the property line and have a sliding or swinging door that must remain closed except for active use. The fence must be fully enclosed with no gaps between panels, and a viewing panel must be provided every 25 feet.

A project information panel must also be present at 4 feet above the grade on the fence. By following these guidelines and hiring a licensed contractor or a registered design professional, you can avoid DOB violations and ensure the safety of pedestrians and workers alike.