On most commercial sites, the fence crew is one of the last trades to show up. By then, the curbs, utilities, final grade, and landscaping are set, and each of them limits where a post can go. A gate that lands in the wrong spot or a fence line that runs over a storm drain costs you time at the end of a job, when you have the least of it.
Select Fence Group brings over 20 years of experience to commercial fencing across Northeast Georgia. We work with builders, general contractors, property owners, and campuses on steel, aluminum, chain-link, wood, and farm fencing. This guide covers what we ask project teams to plan for during preconstruction.
Bring Your Fence Contractor In Early
A fence contractor who sees the plans before site work starts can flag problems while you can still fix them on paper. We look for:
- gate locations that conflict with traffic flow, parking, or fire department access
- post locations that land on utilities, storm structures, or curb lines
- grade changes that call for stepped or racked panels
- landscaping, irrigation and lighting that need to go in before or after the fence
Ask about material lead times when you set the schedule, too, so the fence doesn’t hold up your closeout.
On the Cafe Racer Coffee + Donuts project in Athens, our crew installed steel fencing alongside new landscaping. Jobs like that run on schedule when the fence and landscape crews agree on the order of work before either one starts (or if you hire one group that handles both landscaping and fencing… check out our Northeast Georgia landscaping company!)
Know What’s on the Site Plan
Start with the survey. We require a property survey before we build any fence, and our post explains why. Check the plat for utility and drainage easements as well. Our guide to property boundaries and right-of-way covers how easements limit fence placement.
Stormwater ponds deserve their own look. If the approved plans call for a fence around a retention or detention pond, confirm the height, style, and gate requirements with the civil engineer before you order material. Maintenance crews need a gate wide enough for their equipment.
Permits and Approvals
Rules vary by city and county, and many commercial fences need a permit. In Athens-Clarke County, the Planning Department handles zoning permits. Projects in a historic district also go before the Historic Preservation Commission. Our guides to Athens-Clarke fence permits, Stockbridge permits, and property lines and fencing in Madison’s historic district walk through local rules.
Two more approvals catch teams off guard:
- Fire access gates. A gate across a fire apparatus access road requires approval from the fire code official and a means for crews to open it in an emergency. In Athens-Clarke, start with the Fire Marshal’s Office.
- 811 locates. Georgia law requires you to notify Georgia 811 at least two business days before digging. Build that into the schedule before the post holes.
Choosing the Right Spec
| Material | Where it fits | Learn more |
| Ornamental steel | Campuses, storefronts, multifamily and secure perimeters that need a finished look | Steel fence |
| Aluminum | Pool amenity areas, multifamily and neighborhood entrances | Aluminum fence |
| Chain-link | Job sites, equipment yards, utility areas and sports fields | Chain-link fence |
| Wood | Privacy screening where a softer look fits the site | Wood fence |
| Farm | Agricultural and rural commercial properties | Farm fence |
For ornamental steel, we install Ameristar’s Aegis line. Ameristar makes Aegis in light commercial (Aegis Plus) and industrial and security (Aegis II) grades, so you can match the grade to the site.
Put these details in your bid documents: height, style, color, post size, and footing depth from the plans or the manufacturer’s specs. Clear specs give you bids you can compare line by line.
If the site needs extra security, ask about added height, anti-climb features, and reinforced materials. We build those to fit the property.
Gates and Access Control
Plan gates with the same care as the fence line. List each one by width, swing or slide, and manual or automatic. Automatic gates must meet UL 325 for the operator and ASTM F2200 for the gate itself, and pedestrian gates on accessible routes must meet ADA standards. Our gate installation team can help you lay out vehicle and walk gates, and our gate installation guide covers each standard you need to know about before you build.
Recent Commercial Projects in Athens
- UGA Health Sciences Campus: about 800 feet of Ameristar Aegis ornamental steel fence. Watch the project video.
- UGA Park & Ride retention pond: perimeter fencing around a stormwater retention pond. Watch the project video.
- Cafe Racer Coffee + Donuts: steel fencing installed alongside new landscaping. Watch the project video.
See more of our work in our gallery.
What to Send Us for a Bid
Send these with your bid request, and we can price the job faster:
- site plan or civil drawings with fence lines and gates marked
- property survey
- fence spec: material, height, style, and color
- gate schedule: count, widths, manual or automatic, and access control
- project schedule, including when final grade wraps up
- any requirements from the owner, fire marshal, or HOA
Commercial Fencing FAQs
Do you work with general contractors and builders?
Yes. We work with builders and GCs on new construction, and with owners and property managers on existing sites.
How long does a commercial fence installation take?
Most commercial projects take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size, the material,al and the site. We give you a timeline during the consultation.
Do you help with permits?
Yes. Our team can guide you through the permitting process to ensure your fence meets local code.
Can you add security features?
Yes. We offer added height, access control gates, anti-climb features, and reinforced materials.
Start Your Commercial Fence Project
Select Fence Group installs commercial fencing and gates across Northeast Georgia. Send us your plans for a free consultation and estimate. Request a quote, email info@selectgroupservices.com or call 678-201-6548.
