Are Fence Spikes Legal?
If you already have a fence that’s not quite getting the job done, it’s fairly common to wonder how you can upgrade security. One of those ways is usually to add some kind of fence top security enhancement.
You might very well be asking the question, “are fence spikes legal?” Let’s find out!
Different Types of Fence Spikes
The first thing you should know about whether fence spikes are legal is that there are many different types of fence spikes!
Some, like the ones in the picture, are designed to be a powerful security feature and deterrent. Others, like traditional fleur de lis or spear-shaped spikes on an ornamental fence, are less secure but also look a lot less dangerous.
So, you might need to ask what kind of fence spikes are legal in your area rather than simply whether they are all legal!
Why Do We Add Fence Spikes to Fences?
Fence spikes – regardless of the type – are installed primarily to make it harder to climb over a fence.
Fleur de lis and spear-pointed spikes might look good on a fence too, but their role is to make it harder for people to find a place to put their foot or knee when climbing over the fence.
In some cases, fence spikes are also intended to keep birds and other animals from roosting on the top of your fence. This is usually not for security but rather to prevent the mess they make!
Different Rules in Different Regions
Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all answer to the question, are fence spikes legal?
It really depends on where you live and what the local authorities say about fence spikes in your area.
The best course of action is not only to call the local building department but also to take pictures of the kind of spikes you want to add to your fence. Some building departments might say no to one kind of spike but be okay with another.
Meet Minimum Height Requirements
Even if your local building authority says yes to fence spikes, they will probably have some requirements about the minimum height they can be installed at.
Generally, with any fence top security, whether it’s spikes or a physical barrier you’re adding to your fence or a fence top electric fence, the biggest requirement is that it cannot be touched accidentally.
This means that if someone is simply walking past your fence, there’s no chance they could accidentally be injured by your fence top security measures.
Usually, this means that your fence spikes need to be at least 6 feet or 1.8 meters off the ground.
Shop Around for Options
Even if your local building authority says no to one type of fence spike, they might allow another. So don’t be afraid to ask what their regulations are and what might be okay.
Spend some time researching fence spike options and consider whether you want a DIY solution or something installed by a professional.
So, if you’re asking if fence spikes are legal, as you can see, you might need to be more specific. Always start with your local building or bylaw department and use that information to figure out the rest.
