Get Quotes from Top Fencing Contractors in El Paso, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Fence Contractor in El Paso?

Fence contractors who wish to operate in El Paso do not typically require any local or state-issued occupational licenses to do so. However, per local building and construction regulations, these contractors must complete an annual registration process with the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department before performing any work that requires permits. Examples of this type of work include the installation of masonry fences that are over 42 inches high and chain link fences that are over six feet high.

Interested parties that wish to register as contractors with the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department can initiate the process by completing and submitting a Contractor Registration Application Form to the department's One Stop Shop at:

General contractors that wish to undergo the city's contractor registration process will be required to complete and submit a Contractor Registration Application Form to the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department's One Stop Shop at:

Note that the provision of other documents is typically required for this process. These documents include:

• Proof of business registration. This is usually in the form of a locally obtained Assumed name Certificate and any other applicable corporate documents
• Proof of adequate liability insurance coverage and blanket building construction bond coverage
• Payment of all necessary registration fees

It should be noted that failing to properly register with the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department before performing any fence-related work that requires permits is considered a misdemeanor offense and carries a penalty of up to $2,000 in fines.

Additional information concerning the requirements and procedure for contractor registration with the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department can be directed to (915) 212-0104. Inquiries can also be made via email or in person at the department's One Stop Shop via the contact address provided above. You can verify that your intended fence contractor has been properly registered by this department and is, therefore, eligible to pull all required permits for your project through any of these aforementioned communication channels.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Fencing Companies in the City?

El Paso homeowners typically install new fences on their property for many reasons, such as:

• Improving their safety and security
• Increasing their privacy and deterring prying eyes
• Decorative purposes
• Keeping kids and pets within and keeping rodents and pests out
• Providing cover for pool areas
• Enhancing garden appearances

Building a fence in El Paso typically costs anywhere between $1,600 and $3,500. However, it should be pointed out that the exact cost of having a new fence installed on your property is influenced by certain factors, with a major one being the kind of fencing material that you intend to use. Some of the most popular types of fencing materials used by homeowners in the city are:

• Wood: Wood fences are the most common and versatile fences found in the area, costing from $12 - $32 per linear foot. While this type of fencing is considered very aesthetically pleasing, it can be relatively expensive when compared to other fencing materials and also requires regular maintenance
• Composite: Composite fences have the features of wood fences but usually require little to no maintenance. A major disadvantage of this fencing material is its price, which ranges between $22 - $40 per linear foot
• Chain Link: Chain link fences are a good option for security purposes, and they typically cost anywhere between $5 - $50 per linear foot. However, these types of fences are prone to rust, are not as aesthetically appealing as other types of fencing materials, and also offer little privacy
• Vinyl: Vinyl fences cost between $15 - $30 per linear foot. They are eco-friendly, durable, and easy to install. They may, however, not be ideal for security purposes
• Aluminum: Aluminum fences require little to no maintenance and also have the benefits of being corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant, and long-lasting. These types of fences are known to add a modern look to properties. However, at an average price of $20 - $50 per linear foot, they can be a bit expensive to install
• Wrought Iron: Wrought iron fences are typically considered one of the most aesthetically appealing types of fences and are also known for their durability. However, these fences are relatively expensive to install at $30 - $60 per linear foot. Wrought iron fences are also prone to dents and rust and are high-maintenance
• Steel: Steel fences typically require little maintenance and are also easy to install. They can also provide you with the aesthetic appeal that wrought-iron fences give at a cheaper price of $17 - $55 per linear foot, which makes them a popular choice for many homeowners. However, these types of fences are prone to scratches and rust

Other factors that affect the cost of fence installations in El Paso include:

• Labor costs
• Fence length
• Fence hardware like fence posts, screws, hinges, latches, and locks

It is ideal for comparing quotes from different fencing companies in the city when you are in search of a suitable fence contractor. This provides you with the right information on the current market rates for your project and also helps prevent scams by dubious fence contractors or companies. When you compare these costs, be sure to look out for markedly different quotes and consider it a red flag if the contractor cannot justify the difference. Also, make sure that the fence contractor you choose has the necessary skills and tools to install your preferred fence style or design. Some popular fence designs and styles that are favored by homeowners in El Paso include:

• Picket Fence: the picket fence is a very popular fence style, and it is a short fence with gaps between the vertical wood that makes up the actual fence. It is mostly used as a decorative fence, but taller picket fences can also double as protective or security fences to an extent.
• Garden Fence: these are low fences that are mostly installed around gardens for aesthetic purposes and to keep small animals out
• Dog-Ear Fence: the corners of the vertical boards of this kind of fence are cut at angles on the side. Just like the page of a book folded over, it resembles the floppy folded dog ears. In this design, the top edges of the wooden fence boards are also shaved off on an edge to create a hexagonal end.
• Flat-Top Fence: this is a simple fence design where the fence has a flat top, just as the name suggests
• Gothic Fence: in this style, the fence has a series of points on top. These fences' most commonly used materials are aluminum, steel, and wrought iron.
• Lattice-Top Fence: this is a regular fence with an added lattice top for decorative or aesthetic purposes
• Split Rail Fence: this fence style is typically used on larger properties, and it involves a horizontal fencing design and builds instead of the regular vertical fence design. Split rail fences are a good option for large properties because the material used per linear foot is less when compared to others.
• Scallop Fence: this is a variant of the picket fence that includes the addition of curves from one end of the fence posts to the next
• Shadow-Box Fence: this fence style is designed and built with wood attached in an alternating manner on both sides of the frame. This fence style offers privacy but allows rays of light on the side.
• Electric Fence: these types of fences use electric shocks to deter individuals and animals from crossing the boundary. This is one of the most protective fences, and it is commonly constructed with a combination of metal fencing materials and wire mesh.
• Custom Fence: This is a fence design constructed to the homeowner's and the property's specific needs. Note that custom fences can cost you much more than regular fences for the materials and installation. The major determinants of the costs of a custom fence are the size of the property and the kinds of materials, amongst others.

Fence contractors in El Paso make an average of $36,250 annually. The following list compares the average hourly pay of these contractors with that of fence contractors in other locations across Texas and the rest of the United States:

What Kind of Fencing Services Do You Offer?

When searching for suitable fence companies in El Paso, it is essential to find out the types of fencing services the intended fence contractors or companies are equipped to offer and ensure that these services align with your needs. Professional fence contractors in the city usually offer several types of services. These can be collectively grouped into the following categories:

• Design and installation consultation
• New fence installations
• Old fence replacements or upgrades
• Fence maintenance and repair
• Utility and property line marking
• Fence building
• Permit pulling
• Fence gate installations

As such, it is always in your best interest to ensure that the fence contractor you choose can provide the services you want before signing off any contract with them. This prevents any misunderstanding or disagreement when the project is done. Also, ensure that the service contract you are offered clearly details the nature and scope of services that are to be provided, as well as the cost of these services and a payment schedule.

When Am I Required to Have A Fence in El Paso?

Before you begin your fencing project in El Paso, it is always ideal to inquire about the local ordinances or state laws that may affect your project and ensure that the work complies with them. Examples of these laws include:

• The El Paso Building and Construction Administrative Code
• Chapter 757 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
• The El Paso Zoning Code

Some key provisions of these laws that should be noted include:

• Fences must be installed around swimming pools in residential areas. These fences must be at least 48 inches high and must not have spaces under them that are big enough to allow spheres with a diameter of four inches to pass through.
• Pool fences must be installed with gates that have self-closing and self-latching devices. These gates must also open away from the pool, must be able to accommodate a locking device, and its latch should be at least 60 inches above the ground.
• Chain link fences are prohibited for pool fencing.
• The installation of an electric fence is prohibited within 25 feet of any outdoor area used for the handling of hazardous materials and within five feet of any public right-of-way
• Electric fences must be at least six feet high but must not exceed a height of ten feet. Barbed or razor wire must also not be used in conjunction with these fences
• Permits must always be obtained before the installation of an electric fence, and these permits must also be renewed every two years
• No electrified fence can be installed or used unless surrounded by a perimeter fence that is not less than six feet in height and not more than eight feet in height. The perimeter fence and electrified fence must also be a minimum of four inches apart

A significant benefit of hiring only professional fencing companies for your projects is that they are typically familiar with crucial fencing laws and provide their services in compliance with them. You can get additional information on the city's fence laws by contacting the El Paso Planning and Inspection Department at:

Suspected violations of these laws can also be reported to the department via the contact information provided above or online via the city's EP 311 platform.

Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required as per the City Code?

Section 18.02.105 of El Paso's Code of Ordinances states that a building permit must be obtained before any building and construction-related work can be started in El Paso. Failing to obtain these permits is considered a misdemeanor offense and carries a statutory penalty of up to $2,000 in fines, with each day or type of unpermitted work being charged as a separate offense. However, adhering to the city's permit laws not only helps you avoid these sanctions but also:

• Protects your property value
• Saves you time and money
• Ensures that public safety and welfare are maintained

The city's Planning and Inspections Department issues El Paso building permits. However, it should be noted that this department typically makes permit exemptions for the construction of masonry fences that are not more than 42 inches high and chain link fences that are not more than six feet high.

Parties that wish to obtain building permits from the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department may apply online via the department's Citizen Access Portal or in person at the department's One Stop Shop located at:

Note that first-time online applicants will be required to register a user account on the permitting portal before initiating the application process. Likewise, in-person applicants will also have to complete and submit a pdf Building Permit Application Form. All applicants also have to pay stipulated permit fees and may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as site plans and design, for review before the requested permits can be issued.

Inquiries, or additional information concerning the El Paso permitting process for fence projects can be directed to the city's Planning and Inspections Department at (915) 212-0104 or via email.

Will You Contact the City's Utility Companies to Verify the Path of Underground Lines?

The typical process for fence installations usually includes six key steps, which are:

• Fence length estimation
• Utility line location and marking
• Fence permit obtaining
• Fence post hole digging and fence post bracket setting
• Fence building
• Finishing and cleaning

Among these steps, special emphasis should be placed on location and marking underground utility lines, especially power, water, and gas lines. Failing to carry out this step properly can disrupt vital services and even lead to serious property damage and fatal accidents. As such, even though many professional fence companies in El Paso typically shoulder the responsibility of locating and marking utility lines during the fence installation process, you should always get confirmation from the fence company you plan to hire. Note that you may be required to provide your fence contractors with copies of your survey records to aid them with this process.

Alternatively, you can contact the Texas 811 service at 811 or (800) 344-8377 to get free assistance with locating underground utility lines on your property before commencing any digging. Bear in mind that, per the requirements of the Texas Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, this service must be contacted at least two working days before any digging of 16 inches or deeper with mechanical equipment.

You can also direct inquiries concerning El Paso utility lines to the following local utility companies:

• El Paso Water - (915) 594-5500 or email
• El Paso Natural Gas Company - (713) 420-4672
• El Paso Electric Company - (915) 877-3400 or email

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Fence Contractors in El Paso?

While fence contractors that operate in El Paso are generally not required to carry insurance before providing their services, any contractor that registers with the city's Planning and Inspections Department to be able to pull permits must comply with the following financial obligations:

• They must carry general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per person or $500,000 in aggregate for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, either per occurrence or in aggregate
• They must post and maintain a Blanket Building Construction Bond of $25,000

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 21 percent of the fatal work-related injuries that were recorded in 2020 occurred among construction trade workers. Considering that you can be held liable for any injuries, and even property damage, that occurs as a result of work done by contractors that you hire, the importance of properly hiring contractors for your fence projects cannot be overemphasized.

Therefore, you should always request proof of insurance and bonding from any fence contractor that you plan to hire, regardless of whether or not the work will require a permit, and ensure to validate this proof with the appropriate issuing organization. Make sure that the fence contractor's general liability insurance policy will be enough to cover any property damage or third-party injuries that may occur during your project.

You can get additional information on the mandatory financial obligations for city-registered fence contractors in El Paso by contacting the El Paso Planning and Inspections Department at (915) 212-0104.