What Makes Fencing in Auburn Different
Fence installation in Auburn follows a clear structure shaped by the city’s historic layout and development standards. Much of the community is built on a traditional grid, especially near Courthouse Square and within the Downtown Auburn Historic District, where lot placement and visibility are key considerations.
Before a Gleave Construction installation begins, placement, height limits, and permit requirements are reviewed to ensure the fence fits both the property and local standards. That planning happens first—installation follows.
Services Commonly Requested in Auburn
Properties here range from historic grid lots near Courthouse Square to park-adjacent neighborhoods near Rieke Park and Eckhart Park. Placement standards and lot layout often determine what type of fencing is most appropriate. These are the most frequently requested services.
Auburn Fence Permits, Height & Placement Rules
Fence installation is regulated by the City of Auburn Department of Building, Planning, & Development. An Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is required before installation begins.
Why This Matters: Auburn’s front yard “ornamental” standard restricts solid privacy fencing in front of the building line. Corner lots face additional limitations due to the two-front-yard designation.
While the ILP has no fence fee, installation without approval can result in enforcement action if the fence encroaches on easements or rights-of-way.
| Category | What the City Requires |
|---|---|
| Permit Requirement | An Improvement Location Permit (ILP) is mandatory. There is no fee for a fence permit, but a site plan showing property lines is required. |
| Front Yard Height | Strict 3-foot limit. Fences in the front yard must be ornamental (e.g., picket, split rail) and cannot create a solid visual barrier. |
| Corner Lots | Treated as having two front yards. The 3-foot ornamental limit applies to both street-facing sides unless a variance is granted. |
| Side & Rear Yards | Maximum height is 6 feet. The "finished" (non-structural) side of the fence must face outward toward neighbors. |
| Setbacks | Fences may be placed on the property line, but the City recommends a 2-foot setback to allow the owner to maintain both sides without trespassing. |
| Utility Clearance | Call 811 at least 2 full working days before digging. This is a state law requirement that is strictly enforced on permit applications. |
Recent Fence Projects in the Area
Our projects reflect Auburn’s character — from historic grid lots near Courthouse Square to mid-century homes north of SR-8 and park-adjacent properties near Rieke and Eckhart Parks. We’ve installed 3-foot ornamental front-yard fencing, 6-foot rear-yard privacy fencing, and carefully aligned corner-lot layouts where visibility matters. Each installation is measured, permitted, and built to meet local standards.
Why Choose Gleave Construction
What Locals Say About Our Work
“Gleave Construction did an amazing job putting in our fence around our pool in our backyard. They were efficient and answered all questions in a very timely manner. The product is of very high quality and their installation was very well done as the fence is very sturdy. We customized our fence with a product that looks like stone pillars and this has held up perfectly in all 4 seasons of NW Ohio. We HIGHLY recommend Gleave Construction for your fencing needs.”
“Absolutely thrilled with the work done by Gleave Construction! From start to finish, they were professional, prompt, and incredibly skilled. We hired them to repair our driveway and tackle a few other smaller projects around the property, and the results exceeded our expectations. The team was efficient, paid attention to every detail, and made sure the job was done to perfection. Wendy’s communication was top-notch, and she kept us informed throughout the process. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product and the overall experience. Highly recommend Gleave Construction – they truly go above and beyond!”
“Gleave Construction did an amazing job installing our new fence. Adam Gleave was prompt on quote and follow up on quote. After two additional quotes, we went with Gleave Construction and so glad we did! Fair and reasonable pricing and quality of work exceeded our expectations!!! The fence looks so much better than we imagined it would look. Adam’s recommendations on how to fence in this particular was so reassuring. We highly recommend Gleave Construction for any construction or fencing needs. Highest quality of service and product! True professionals!”
Neighborhoods & Areas We Serve
Auburn isn’t divided into formal neighborhoods. Most people describe where they live by direction or landmark.
Homes near Downtown Auburn, around Main Street, 7th Street, and the DeKalb County Courthouse, sit on tight grid streets with visible front yards. Fencing here often requires careful alignment and attention to the 3-foot front-yard rule.
North of 7th Street and closer to the I-69 corridor, lots tend to be larger and newer. Rear-yard privacy fencing and driveway gates are common in this area.
South of downtown, near DeKalb High School, established residential blocks often request backyard fencing and pool enclosures.
Along the west side near the 7th Street commercial corridor, residential and service properties mix together. Chain link fencing and access gates are frequently installed in these areas.
On the outer edges of town, including subdivisions such as Duesenberg Place and Auburn Meadows, fencing is typically designed to comply with city standards and subdivision covenants.
Before installation begins, each site is reviewed for property lines, placement, and local development standards.