California Law Prohibits Landscapers from Legally Building Fences Without Proper Licensing

Homeowners in the Bay Area are being cautioned against hiring landscapers to build fences without proper contractor licensing, as doing so could lead to legal violations, financial penalties, and potential disputes with neighbors according to Duce Construction's latest blog post at https://duceco.com/why-landscapers-cant-legally-build-fence-without-licensing/. According to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), only properly licensed contractors can legally build structural installations like fences-especially when project costs exceed $1,000 or impact property lines. While some landscapers may hold licenses, these typically do not authorize structural construction such as perimeter fencing, which falls under more stringent regulatory oversight.

"Too many homeowners assume that because their landscaper is licensed, they're also qualified to build fences," said a spokesperson for Duce Construction Deck & Fence, a licensed Bay Area fencing contractor with over 40 years of experience. "But California law clearly states otherwise. Installing a fence is a structural job-one that requires compliance with state, city, and often HOA building codes. Hiring the wrong contractor can leave property owners exposed to fines, court disputes, and insurance coverage gaps."

Fence installation in California is governed by an intricate framework of codes that dictate aspects such as height limits, materials, setback requirements, and property line boundaries. These regulations can vary significantly from city to city and are often further complicated by HOA guidelines and fire safety mandates. For example, the City of Walnut Creek prohibits fence installation on corner lots without prior consultation with the local building department. Additionally, homeowners are legally required to notify neighbors at least 30 days before beginning any fence work on shared boundaries under California's Good Neighbor Fence Law.

Contractor licensing exists to protect both homeowners and the community. Licensed fencing contractors undergo rigorous training and must carry bonding and workers' compensation insurance-providing a layer of protection in case of injuries or property damage. In contrast, landscapers lack the legal authority and structural expertise to meet these standards, and using one for fencing work can lead to denied insurance claims or mandatory fence removal if the installation violates building codes.

"Homeowners are often surprised to learn that improperly built fences can void insurance coverage or lead to lawsuits from neighbors," the Duce Construction spokesperson added. "That's why it's essential to consult with a licensed fencing contractor before beginning any project."

Duce Construction Deck & Fence specializes in fully compliant residential fencing solutions throughout the Bay Area. The company works directly with local building departments, HOAs, and property owners to ensure every fence project is legally sound and tailored to meet both safety standards and aesthetic goals.

Duce Construction Deck and Fence
Adam Duce
(925) 595-1020
3225 McNutt Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597
https://duceco.com/

Duce Construction Deck & Fence is a licensed California fencing contractor with more than four decades of experience in designing and building high-quality, code-compliant fences and decks. Serving homeowners throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, the company is committed to safety, craftsmanship, and personalized customer service for every project.

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/duceconstruction

This release was published on openPR.