Installing a fence in Colorado Springs or the Pikes Peak region requires more than just choosing materials and digging post holes—it starts with understanding how to measure your property accurately. At the core of this process is calculating linear feet, a straightforward yet essential measurement that determines how much fencing you’ll need. Whether you’re enclosing a backyard in Black Forest or adding privacy to a home in Briargate, knowing your linear footage ensures your project stays on budget and compliant with local codes.
This guide defines linear feet, explains its importance in fence installation projects, and walks you through a step-by-step measurement process. It also highlights essential tools, regional factors that affect measurements, and practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Key Takeaways
- Linear feet is a straightforward length measurement essential for determining accurate fence material quantities in the Pikes Peak region.
- Precise on-site measurements using tools like measuring wheels, stakes, and string are crucial in hilly, irregular neighborhoods such as Manitou Springs and Black Forest.
- Always include gates, corners, and terrain-based adjustments in your total linear footage, and factor in a buffer of 5–10% for waste and cutting errors.
- Compliance with Colorado Springs and El Paso County codes—especially for height, setbacks, and permits—is non-negotiable to avoid installation delays or fines.
Step 1: Understand What Linear Feet Means in Fencing
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Accurately calculating linear feet is the foundation of any fencing project, especially in areas like Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, where properties often have irregular shapes and hilly terrain. This simple measurement ensures that you purchase the right amount of materials and comply with local fence permit requirements.
What is a Linear Foot?
A linear foot refers to a straight-line measurement of length, used to determine the total distance your fence will cover.
- It only measures length, not area or height.
- Linear feet apply whether you’re installing a wood privacy fence, chain link enclosure, or decorative metal fencing.
- For example, a 50-foot side yard equals 50 linear feet of fencing.
Why Linear Feet Matter for Colorado Springs Fences
In Colorado Springs neighborhoods like Briargate, Manitou Springs, or Black Forest, property boundaries can be uneven or slope dramatically, making precise measurements critical.
Key reasons why accurate linear footage matters:
- Prevent over-buying or under-buying fence materials.
- Helps meet Colorado Springs Building Safety Division and Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) permit requirements, which may require exact fence lengths.
- Supports correct budgeting and efficient installation.
Pro Tip: When submitting for a fence permit in Colorado Springs, provide your total linear footage in your project plans to avoid delays.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools for Fence Measurement
Before measuring your fence line, it is essential to gather the appropriate tools to ensure your calculations are accurate. In Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, where uneven terrain and irregular lots are common, using the right equipment will help you avoid costly mistakes during your fence installation project. Proper preparation saves time, improves measurement precision, and ensures you comply with local requirements.
Essential Tools for Measuring a Fence Line
Accurate fence measurement begins with assembling the correct tools:
- Measuring Tape (at least 100 feet) or Measuring Wheel: For long or uneven lots common in Black Forest and Rockrimmon, a measuring wheel offers greater ease and accuracy.
- Stakes and String: Mark the corners and straight runs of your fence line.
- Level: Ensures your measurements account for slopes and grade changes, especially in hillside areas like Manitou Springs.
- Markers or Spray Paint: Helps mark fence lines and measurement points.
- Notebook or Digital App: Record your measurements and observations.
- Optional – GIS Tools: El Paso County GIS maps or Google Earth Pro can help outline property boundaries before you measure on the ground.
Local Tip for Colorado Springs Homeowners
In neighborhoods like Peyton or Falcon, where lots are large and irregular, starting with GIS mapping can help you plan your fence line before setting foot outside.
Step 3: Mark Your Fence Layout on the Property
Marking your fence layout on the ground is a critical step to visualize the exact path your fence will take. This process ensures that your measurements follow the property boundary, avoid obstacles, and comply with local Colorado Springs fencing codes. A clear layout also helps prevent encroachments on your neighbor’s property, which can lead to disputes or permit issues.
Identifying Property Lines in Colorado Springs
To accurately mark your fence layout, start by verifying your property boundaries:
- Use your property plat map or a recent property survey.
- Access the El Paso County Assessor’s GIS maps for general boundary visualization.
- Look for existing boundary markers such as iron pins or survey stakes, which are common in planned communities like Briargate or Flying Horse.
Marking Fence Corners and Lines
Once you’ve confirmed the property lines:
- Place stakes at each corner where the fence will turn.
- Run string tightly between stakes to represent the fence line.
- Adjust the string to avoid permanent obstacles like trees or boulders.
Pro Tip: For lots in hilly areas like Rockrimmon or Manitou Springs, keep your string taut and close to the ground to account for elevation changes when measuring later.
Taking the time to mark your fence layout correctly simplifies the next step of measuring each fence segment.
Step 4: Measure Each Fence Segment
Measuring each segment of your fence line is the heart of calculating linear feet. In Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, where properties may follow irregular shapes and sloping terrain, it’s important to break your fence line into straight sections for accurate measurement.
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
Follow these steps carefully to ensure precision:
- Start at your first corner stake.
- Use your measuring tape or measuring wheel to measure the distance to the next stake.
- Record the measurement clearly in a notebook or app.
- Repeat this process for every segment around your property, including gates and any jogs in the fence line.
Accounting for Slopes and Uneven Terrain
Slopes and rugged landscapes in areas like Cheyenne Mountain and Black Forest can affect your measurements.
- Always measure along the ground, not horizontally through the air.
- If the terrain is steep, break the fence line into smaller straight runs and measure each one individually.
Pro Tip: Measuring wheels are ideal for large, open lots like those in Falcon or Peyton, while long tape measures work well for smaller suburban yards. Accurate segment measurements form the foundation for your total linear foot calculation, minimizing errors when purchasing materials.
Step 5: Calculate the Total Linear Feet
Once you’ve measured each fence segment, the next step is to add them together to calculate your total linear footage. This total represents the exact length of fencing material you’ll need, helping you estimate costs and order the right supplies.
Applying the Perimeter Formula
Use a simple formula for rectangular or square properties, and add individual segment lengths for irregular layouts.
- Rectangular or square lot:
Total Linear Feet = 2 × (Length + Width) - Irregular lot:
Total Linear Feet = Sum of all measured segments - Example: For a yard measuring 50 ft x 70 ft:
(2 × 50) + (2 × 70) = 240 linear feet
Important Considerations During Calculation
These considerations help refine your measurement and avoid under- or over-purchasing materials.
- Include all fence segments, even short runs and side connections.
- Add allowances for gates, which require extra framing on each side.
- Account for terrain adjustments, especially in hilly Colorado Springs neighborhoods like Rockrimmon or Northgate.
- Round up your total by 5–10% to cover material waste or cutting adjustments.
Pro Tip: Keep your total linear footage handy when applying for permits with the Colorado Springs Building Safety Division or the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.
With this total, you’re ready to plan your material purchase and build a cost estimate for your fence installation.
Step 6: Account for Gates, Corners, and Specialty Features
After calculating your basic fence perimeter, you’ll need to adjust your total linear feet to include gates, corner posts, and unique property features. These additions ensure your material estimate covers all structural and functional components of the fence.
Adding Extra Feet for Gates
Gates require additional framing space beyond their opening width.
- Add the width of the gate opening (e.g., 3 feet for a walk gate, 10 feet for a driveway gate).
- Include extra posts and hardware clearance on both sides of the gate (typically 1–2 feet total).
- Double-check that your gate placement aligns with driveways, walkways, or utility access.
Adjusting for Corners and Property Features
Corners and unique property features may extend the fence line or require angled cuts.
- Count each corner post or direction change as a break in measurement.
- Add a few extra feet for angled sections or jogs in the fence line.
- If your fence navigates around trees, gardens, or outbuildings, measure the detour and add that footage to your total.
These adjustments help ensure that your material order accounts for the real-world layout of your yard, especially in varied landscapes like those found in Colorado Springs’ hillside and wooded neighborhoods.
Step 7: Double-Check for Accuracy
Before purchasing materials or starting your fence installation, it’s essential to verify your measurements. Double-checking ensures you have captured every segment accurately and prevents costly miscalculations, which are especially common on sloped or irregular Colorado Springs properties.
Best Practices for Verifying Measurements
Follow these simple practices to confirm your fence measurements before finalizing your materials list.
- Re-measure each fence segment, especially in areas where the terrain slopes or obstacles are present.
- Have a second person assist you to hold the measuring tape taut and verify distances.
- Compare your field measurements with your property survey or GIS map to catch any discrepancies.
- Use a measuring wheel for large or uneven lots, providing more accurate ground distance measurements.
- For corner posts, double-check right angles using the 3-4-5 triangle method to ensure square layouts.
Tips for Colorado Springs Homeowners
In neighborhoods like Falcon or Broadmoor, where larger properties are common, double-checking can help account for terrain variations or large perimeter distances.
Pro Tip: Marking your measurements on the ground with flags or paint before digging posts can provide a helpful visual guide during installation.
Taking the time to confirm your measurements now will help your project run smoother and avoid last-minute material shortages.
Step 8: Plan for Material Purchases Using Your Linear Footage
With your total linear feet calculated and verified, the next step is to convert your measurements into a detailed material list. This ensures you purchase the right amount of fencing panels, posts, and hardware to complete your fence installation efficiently.
Estimating Fence Panels and Posts
Fence panels and posts are typically sold in standard lengths, so you’ll need to divide your total linear feet by the panel size to estimate quantities.
- Fence panels: Most panels are 6 to 8 feet long.
Example: 200 linear feet ÷ 8-foot panels = 25 panels. - Posts: Count one post per panel plus additional posts for gates and corners.
- Gates and specialty items: Don’t forget to purchase pre-fabricated gates or gate kits sized for your openings.
Adding Overage for Waste and Cuts
It’s wise to order extra materials to account for cutting, waste, and unexpected changes.
- Add 5–10% extra linear feet to your panel and post totals.
- Order extra fasteners, brackets, and concrete for stability, especially in windy areas like Peyton and Monument.
- Consider weather-resistant treatments for wood or corrosion-resistant coatings for metal fencing.
By planning your purchases carefully, you can streamline your installation process and minimize delays caused by missing materials.
Bonus: Factors That Affect Linear Footage in Colorado Springs
While linear feet calculations seem straightforward, several real-world factors can alter your final fence length. In Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region, where varied landscapes and property layouts are common, these factors must be considered for an accurate project plan and budget.
Local Terrain & Property Layout Challenges
Yards in Colorado Springs neighborhoods like Black Forest, Rockrimmon, and Cheyenne Mountain often feature slopes, uneven ground, or oddly shaped property lines.
Key considerations include:
- Sloped terrain: May require a stepped fence design, increasing the total material used.
- Irregular property boundaries: Common in older areas like Old Colorado City and Broadmoor.
- Natural features: Trees, rocks, and waterways may force adjustments in fence placement, adding to the total footage.
Fence Material Types and Their Impact on Linear Feet
The material you choose influences the spacing between posts and panels, affecting your total count of linear feet and materials needed.
| Material Type | Standard Panel Size | Common in Colorado Springs | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | 6–8 feet | Yes (residential) | Moderate | High |
| Vinyl | 6–8 feet | Yes (modern homes) | High | Low |
| Chain Link | Custom rolls | Yes (utility, commercial) | High | Low |
| Iron | Custom sections | Yes (historic or premium) | Very High | Moderate |
Environmental Considerations in Colorado Springs
Colorado’s climate can also influence your fence design and measurement process.
- Wind zones: In areas like Peyton and Monument, fences may require additional bracing, increasing material needs.
- Snow load considerations: Higher elevation areas may require taller or reinforced fences for durability.
- Soil conditions: Sandy or rocky soils, especially near Palmer Park and the foothills, can affect post placement depth and spacing.
Local Regulations That Impact Fence Layout
Colorado Springs and El Paso County fence codes can dictate fence height, setback distance, and material limitations.
- Residential fences typically must be 6 feet or lower unless special permits are obtained.
- Certain areas have easement restrictions, reducing the available fencing footprint.
- Historic districts may require specific styles or materials.
By evaluating these local factors during your planning phase, you can better predict your total linear footage and select the most appropriate fence type for your property and needs.
Conclusion
Accurately measuring your fence line in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is more than just a technical step—it’s the foundation for a successful, stress-free fence installation. Factoring in terrain, property layout, and local codes helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures your fence is built to last. While measuring linear feet might seem straightforward, small oversights can create big headaches down the road. That’s why working with a local, experienced fencing company makes a difference. Let the pros handle the details so you can enjoy a smooth, code-compliant installation.
At Law Fence, we specialize in professional fence installation and repair throughout Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. From calculating your linear footage to handling permits and navigating tricky terrain, we ensure your project is done right the first time. Reach out to us today for a free estimate and expert guidance on your next fencing project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is linear feet and why is it important for fence installation?
Linear feet measure the straight-line distance of your fence, helping you calculate how much material is needed. It’s important for estimating costs, ordering the correct number of panels and posts, and meeting local permit requirements in Colorado Springs.
How do I calculate linear feet for my Colorado Springs property?
Measure each segment of your proposed fence line using a measuring tape or wheel, then add all the segment lengths together. Be sure to include adjustments for gates, corners, and slopes common in Colorado Springs neighborhoods.
Should I include gates and corners when calculating linear feet?
Yes, always include gates and corners in your total. Gates require framing space, and corner posts may require extra panels or braces, which adds to your total fence length.
Does the terrain in the Pikes Peak region affect my measurements?
Absolutely. Sloped yards, rocky areas, and uneven ground in regions like Black Forest, Manitou Springs, and Rockrimmon can increase your total fence length due to stepped panels or detours around natural features.
Do I need a fence permit in Colorado Springs?
Most residential fence installations in Colorado Springs require a permit from the Colorado Springs Building Safety Division, especially if your fence exceeds 6 feet in height or crosses easements. Check with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) for unincorporated areas.
What tools are best for large or uneven Colorado Springs lots?
For large or uneven properties in areas like Peyton or Falcon, a measuring wheel works better than a tape measure. GIS mapping tools from El Paso County also help visualize complex property lines before measuring on-site.
How much extra material should I order?
Plan to order 5–10% more materials than your calculated linear footage to account for cutting waste, miscalculations, or unexpected layout changes during installation.
Can I use my property plat to skip measuring?
Your plat is a great starting point but should not replace on-the-ground measurements. Actual distances and terrain variations may differ from your plat map, especially in older properties.
