CONSTRUCTION FENCE
Construction equipment projects involve installations of equipment to support construction activities or to secure a construction site to protect workers and the general public. A temporary construction fence is required by the NYC Construction Code to protect the public against possible hazards related to ongoing construction. It is installed prior to commencement of the project work and removed at the completion of work, meeting code requirements for removal. A fence is required to enclose the construction site of a new building, areas of demolition, open excavation or extensive alteration. Fences shall be accessible at grade.
Fences are built solid for their entire length out of wood or other suitable materials. However, the Department may approve chain link fences as below:
For stalled, abandoned or discontinued work sites, after certification of removal of all construction equipment and materials (BC 3303.13).
For a one-, two- or three- family building, or a commercial building less than 40 feet in height with a setback of 15 feet from sidewalk and the public, and 5 feet from adjoining structures. When a fence is installed to fully enclose the site, its location shall be along the inside edge of the sidewalk and along the edges of the property. For partially enclosed sites, fences shall be installed at grade level to prevent public access. A fence installation shall not result in obstructions preventing public access to sidewalks or a building’s means of egress. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) requires pedestrian protection to be maintained and kept in good order for the entire length of construction.
A WRITTEN INSPECTION REPORT THAT RECORDS INSPECTIONS SHALL BE MAINTAINED BY THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR OR OWNER, WITH SUCH RECORD SIGNED AND DATED BY THE PERSON WHO PERFORMED THE INSPECTION. DEFECTS DISCOVERED AS A RESULT OF THE INSPECTION SHALL IMMEDIATELY BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE PERMIT HOLDER.
FENCES SHALL BE INSTALLED AND LOCATED SO TO NOT UNREASONABLY OBSTRUCT, EITHER VISUALLY OR PHYSICALLY, TRAFFIC, CURB CUTS, VEHICULAR ACCESS POINTS, STREET LIGHTING POLES, TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR SIGNS, FIRE HYDRANTS, FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS, WATER SAMPLING STATIONS, BUS SHELTERS, OR OTHER STREET FURNITURE, TREES, OR MEANS OF INGRESS/EGRESS.
FENCES TO BE ADJUSTED, REPAIRED, AND MAINTAINED IN A SOUND CONDITION, FREE OF PROTRUDING OR LOOSE NAILS, WOOD, OR METAL, AND WITH POSTS IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION RESTRAINED TO PREVENT THE FENCE FROM LEANING OR OVERTURNING BY GENERAL CONTRACTOR.