Temporary fencing planning for construction sites

How much fence do you need?

Start with the perimeter. Measure or estimate the total linear footage you need to enclose, including any areas you want to section off inside the site — a laydown yard, a materials area, or a hazard zone. A rough sketch with approximate dimensions is enough to start; the exact count is confirmed on your quote.

Two numbers drive most fencing quotes:

• Linear feet of perimeter — standard rental panels are about 6 feet tall and come in set widths, so footage determines panel count.
• Gates — how many openings you need and how wide, split between vehicle gates (wide enough for trucks and equipment) and pedestrian gates for crews.

Panel fencing vs. driven-post (chain-link)

There are two common approaches, and the right one depends on how long you’re on site and how secure it needs to be:

• Panel fencing sits in weighted bases on the ground. It’s fast to install, easy to relocate as the site changes, and well suited to shorter projects, hardscape, and sites where you can’t dig.
• Driven-post (permanent-style chain-link) has posts driven into the ground for a more rigid, higher-security perimeter. It suits longer projects and sites that need a fence that won’t shift.

If you’re not sure which fits, share your project duration and ground conditions and we’ll help match the type.

Gates and access

Access is where most fencing plans get tight. Plan gate locations around how trucks actually enter and leave, where deliveries stage, and where crews park and walk in. Keep vehicle gates clear of active lanes, and put pedestrian access where it won’t funnel foot traffic through equipment. Lockable gates and a controlled entry point also make the site easier to secure after hours.

Privacy screen and wind

Privacy screen (windscreen) clips to the fence to block sightlines, cut down on dust and debris leaving the site, and present a cleaner street face — often a requirement on commercial and public-facing work. Screen also catches wind, so in open or high-wind areas, fence may need additional bracing or anchoring to stay upright. Flag exposed sites early.

Placement, ground, and right-of-way

Where the fence sits matters as much as how much you have. Plan for:

• Stable ground for bases or driven posts — soft or sloped ground may need extra support.
• Property lines, sidewalks, and any right-of-way or permit conditions that dictate where fence can go.
• Overhead and underground utilities before anything is driven into the ground.
• Room to relocate sections as the work moves through phases.

Service: relocations and repairs

Jobsites change, and so does the fence line. Sections get moved as phases shift, gates get relocated, and panels occasionally get knocked out of place. One request to SITE PRO covers relocations, added sections, and repairs for the life of the rental, coordinated with the provider handling your fence.