Construction and renovation projects create hazards that did not exist before the work started — open trenches, heavy equipment, unstable structures, and debris. Temporary fencing controls access to these areas and keeps people who are not part of the project away from the dangers. It also satisfies legal requirements that apply to most job sites in the Greater Seattle area.

Wooden fence in a yard.

Why is temporary fencing required on construction sites?

Most municipalities require some form of perimeter control on active construction sites. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, but the underlying reason is consistent: construction zones are dangerous to anyone who wanders into them, and the property owner or general contractor is responsible for preventing unauthorized access.

Children are the highest-risk group. An unfenced excavation or a pile of lumber with exposed nails is an attractive nuisance under property liability law, meaning that the property owner can be held responsible even if a child enters the site without permission. Temporary fencing removes the argument that the site was accessible.

Theft and vandalism are also concerns. Construction materials left on an open site overnight disappear at a surprisingly high rate. Copper wire, power tools, and even lumber are common targets. A locked temporary fence does not make theft impossible, but it establishes a clear boundary and adds a layer of difficulty that deters casual theft.

What types of temporary fencing are available?

Chain link panels are the most common type of temporary construction fencing. These are freestanding panels, usually six feet tall, set in weighted bases that sit on the ground surface without requiring post holes or concrete. The panels connect to each other with clamps, forming a continuous barrier that can follow any layout. Companies that provide temporary fencing in the Seattle area typically supply these panels in standard sizes that can be configured to fit the site.

Plastic mesh fencing is a lighter alternative used for lower-risk situations. Orange safety fencing strung between metal posts marks a boundary and provides visual warning, but it does not physically prevent access. It works for separating active work zones within a larger site or for directing pedestrian traffic around sidewalk closures. It is not sufficient as a primary security barrier on a site with significant hazards.

Panel fencing with privacy screening adds opaque fabric or mesh to the chain link panels, blocking the view into the site. This is common on projects in residential neighborhoods where the visual impact of construction is a concern, or on commercial projects where the owner wants to control the public’s view of the work in progress.

How is temporary fencing different from permanent installation?

The key difference is that temporary fencing sits on top of the ground rather than being anchored into it. Permanent fence posts are set in concrete below the frost line. Temporary panels use weighted bases — concrete blocks, sandbags, or steel plates — that hold the fence in position through gravity rather than burial.

This surface-mounted design is what makes temporary fencing practical for construction. It can be installed in hours rather than days, moved as the project progresses, and removed completely when the work is finished without leaving holes or concrete footings behind. The tradeoff is stability. A temporary fence in weighted bases is less resistant to wind than a permanently set fence, and high winds can topple panels if the bases are undersized or the panels are not properly braced.

Temporary fencing is also designed to be reused. The panels, clamps, and bases are rented or owned as inventory by the fencing company and cycled through multiple projects. This keeps the cost lower than buying new materials for each job, which is one reason temporary fencing is typically rented rather than purchased. Contour Fence works with property owners and contractors in the Kirkland and Greater Seattle area to determine the right type and duration of temporary fencing for each project.

What factors determine how much temporary fencing a project needs?

The perimeter of the work zone is the starting point. Every side of the site that is accessible to the public needs to be fenced. A project in the middle of a large lot may need fencing only around the immediate work area, while a project that fills the entire lot requires fencing along every property line that faces a street, sidewalk, or neighboring property.

Access points add complexity. The fence needs at least one gate for workers and equipment to enter and exit. Larger sites may need separate pedestrian and vehicle gates. Each gate requires additional hardware and often a wider opening than a standard panel, which affects the layout and cost.

Duration matters because temporary fencing is usually priced on a monthly rental basis. A two-week project and a six-month project need the same linear footage of fence, but the total cost scales with time. Projects that run longer than originally planned accumulate additional rental charges, which is one reason accurate project scheduling matters for budget control.

When should temporary fencing go up and come down?

Temporary fencing should be in place before any work begins that creates a hazard. On new construction, that usually means before excavation starts. On renovation projects, it means before demolition. The fence needs to be standing before the first load of materials arrives, because an open site full of building supplies is already an attractive nuisance even if no actual construction has started.

Removal timing depends on when the hazards are resolved. A fence can come down when the site is safe for unrestricted access — no open holes, no unstable structures, no exposed utilities, and no equipment that could injure someone. On many projects, the fence stays up until final inspection or certificate of occupancy, because the site is not considered safe until the building department has signed off.

Premature removal is a liability risk. Taking the fence down to make the last phase of work easier — pouring a driveway or installing landscaping, for example — exposes the property owner to the same risks the fence was preventing. If the remaining work still involves hazards, the fence should stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can temporary fencing be installed on any surface?

Temporary fence panels can be set up on soil, gravel, asphalt, or concrete. On hard surfaces where stakes cannot be driven, weighted bases provide the necessary stability. The weight required per base depends on the wind exposure and height of the panels.

Does temporary fencing need a permit?

Some jurisdictions require a permit for temporary fencing, especially if it encroaches on a public right-of-way such as a sidewalk or parking lane. The permit requirements are usually tied to the construction permit for the overall project rather than being a separate fence permit.

Temporary chain link panels provide a meaningful physical barrier. They are difficult to move without tools, and the six-foot height discourages climbing. Adding a locked gate and anti-climb brackets at the top increases security further. They are not as secure as a permanent welded fence, but they are sufficient for the duration of most construction projects.