Do I need a permit to build a privacy fence if it is being connected to a preexisting fence?
Permits are most likely required. Contact your local city or county building department or check their website for that information. Also check any homeowner’s association by-laws (if you have HOA in your subdivision). At this point, getting permission from a neighbor who’s house is going up to sheriff’s auction is mute. You will need a current copy of your plat of survey, which shows your property line. You normally cannot “connect” physically to your neighbors fence unless it is on the property line (and remember, if the fence is on their property, the current/future owners may choose to take it down). You may need to float a board or two from your fence post to the existing fence to close the gap, this is called a “baffel”. The height of the fence you install and whether it can be privacy or not totally depends on the building code, association by-laws, etc., some areas will not allow a total privacy fence, they may require a gap between the pickets. Do your homework! and good luck.
