Help! I want to put up a fence but have no idea what this even means...?

or how to read a property survey! My community handbook says I need to consult my property survey to determine setback lines (is this the same as the property lines marked out by the wooden stakes planted around the lot?) and that "fencing may NOT be erected on bermed areas of lots. i.e. no fence shall extend any higher on a berm than the 'toe' (base) of the berm". WTH? What is a berm? I am so confused!

Help! I want to put up a fence but have no idea what this even means...?
Good fences make good neighbors they say. And how they are maintained is up to you.


A setback is the distance between the property line and the line that is made by the fence. Some places require the fence to be set back a certain amount from the property line.


A berm is a raised area (mound) that controls rain water movement or is created for other purposes. Unlike a incline or hill which is consistent in it's direction, the berm is short in width and the ground reverts to the level that it was prior to the interruption of the mound. Just think of a speed bump multiplied in size. The toe is the base of the berm that is equivalent to ground zero before the ascending summit. If you have to cross the berm, to the other side with the fence, the height of the fence can't follow the contour of the land, but will have to accommodate it for a strait visual level as you are looking at it from the top.


And while it's a detail that is blown off in some cases, a building inspector along with a permit may be required. Especially with a new fence that is not replacing another. And he may want to check out the holes for depth before you add the post and concrete. And he may want to sign off on a final inspection. That fence will be configured into the plat survey for measure in regards to the property lines. And around here they got this lady they call JULIE who checks for utilities that are buried. Yes, now is the time to pick up that 50lb. telephone before you dig one ounce of dirt. The permit is cheap. The inspections by JULIE and the building inspector are free. Not having to tear down an improperly built fence or pay fines or be put into the hospital for breaking a power line or pay for repairs on utilities: priceless!
Reply:hire a professional to help.

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