Building fence on utility easement (Bloomingdale: house, construction, gated)

[PicoHairpiece]

We just got a house in Bloomingdale, and wish to build a 6' privacy fence. There is a utility easement that runs up the left side of the propery, about 4' in from the lot line, and there are utility boxes at the end of the easement near the rear of the yard. Already we've had workers in the backyard to check on the boxes.

My question is: is it legal to build a fence to totally enclose the yard, as long as we put up a 4' unlocked gate at the front that would allow utility workers to access the boxes inside the fenced yard? Also, would I need the approval of the cable, phone and electric companies to build a gated fence?

I'm curious in hearing from others who may have done similar fences.

[pvande55]

You should contact the utilities to find out if they have any objections. They need to get their trucks back there. And definitely contact JULIE, the underground utility service before planning any fence. They will mark the location of underground utilities. I have worked on underground construction projects, and I know that you never know what you're going to hit.

[AuDiBelle]

Your fence installer should know the restrictions. Also, you will need to get a permit from your town to install it, and they will likely require your plat of survey and let you know the required setbacks and ordinances. Most times, the fence company will obtain the permit for you. I would just call your town and ask them the specifics.

[jamaicabound60565]

One thing to consider and I wouldnt expect this to be a common occurence but if for any reason they ever need to dig, get equiptment back ther, etc they can tear your fence out nad dont need to compensate you at all because you built on the easement.

As others have said you probably need to chck and get permits/permission but even then they can still tear your fence up.

[Hunter2013]

I am also a utility worker and have a fence around my yard. My fence is only around 4 feet due to subdivision rules. Utility workers come in as needed. If they needed to get a truck back there, yes they have the right to remove the fence. Just don't build any permanent structures on an easement such as a garage.

[BigV]

Originally Posted by jamaicabound60565

One thing to consider and I wouldnt expect this to be a common occurence but if for any reason they ever need to dig, get equiptment back ther, etc they can tear your fence out nad dont need to compensate you at all because you built on the easement.

As others have said you probably need to chck and get permits/permission but even then they can still tear your fence up.

I would agree only if the fence was built without a permit. But if the OP obtains a legal permit and builds a fence, any subsequent damage would then be compensated. Of course, they may not be able to get a permit to begin with, depending on the location of the utility or other factors.