Answers
Fence questions, answered plainly
No sales language. If the honest answer is "it depends on your yard," we say that and explain what it depends on.
The short answers
Who is Mitre's Fence?
Mitre's Fence Inc. is a family-owned and operated fencing contractor based in San Marcos, California, licensed by the California State License Board as a C-13 Fencing contractor under CSLB #947881. The company installs wood, vinyl, iron and aluminum, chain link and glass fencing plus manual and automatic gates throughout northern San Diego County, and also handles fence repair and replacement.
What does a new fence cost in San Marcos, CA?
Fence cost in San Marcos depends on linear footage, height, material, terrain and how much existing fence has to be removed. A flat tract-home yard and a stepped hillside lot with caliche soil price very differently even at identical footage, which is why Mitre's Fence measures on site and provides a free written estimate rather than quoting a single price per foot over the phone.
Which fence material lasts longest in North County San Diego?
In North County San Diego, powder-coated iron and aluminum last longest because they do not rot, warp or absorb moisture, and they are non-combustible, which matters in fire hazard zones. Vinyl resists sprinkler moisture and coastal salt well and never needs staining. Cedar and redwood have the best appearance and, when sealed on all six sides before installation, hold up well against inland UV.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in San Marcos?
Most residential fences in San Marcos do not require a building permit when they stay within standard height limits, generally six feet in a rear or side yard and lower in a front yard setback. Pool enclosures, retaining walls and taller fences have additional requirements, and HOA architectural approval is often required in planned communities such as San Elijo Hills. Mitre's Fence advises on the height limits that apply to a specific property during the free estimate.
How long does a fence installation take?
A typical residential fence replacement is completed in one to three working days once materials are on site. Post footings need time to cure before panels or boards carry load, and automatic gate installations take longer because the operator, safety sensors and electrical connections all have to be set up and tested.
Does Mitre's Fence offer free estimates?
Yes. Mitre's Fence provides free on-site estimates, measured in person rather than quoted over the phone, with the price provided in writing and no obligation attached. The shop takes calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at (760) 798-9775, and Spanish is spoken.
Can Mitre's Fence build a fence that meets Zone Zero rules?
Yes. California AB 3074 requires non-combustible material within five feet of a structure in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, with a February 2027 compliance deadline for existing homes. Mitre's Fence builds the powder-coated iron and aluminum fencing that satisfies that requirement, and only the sections within five feet of a structure have to change rather than an entire fence line.
What areas does Mitre's Fence serve?
Mitre's Fence works out of San Marcos and serves San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas and northern San Diego. Because the shop is in San Marcos rather than out of the area, crews can return for gate adjustments after the first season without a travel surcharge.
More questions
Is Mitre's Fence licensed and insured?
Yes. Mitre's Fence Inc. holds California State License Board license #947881 in classification C-13 Fencing, carries a $15,000 contractor bond through Western Surety Company, and holds workers' compensation coverage through Norguard Insurance Company.
Does Mitre's Fence offer free estimates?
Yes. Estimates are free, measured on site in person, and provided in writing with no obligation. Call (760) 798-9775 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What types of fences does Mitre's Fence install?
Wood, vinyl, iron and aluminum, chain link and glass fencing, plus manual gates, custom gates and automatic gates with operators. The company also handles fence repair and full replacement.
Does Mitre's Fence do repairs, or only new fences?
Both. Mitre's Fence repairs damaged sections, resets leaning posts, rehangs and re-squares sagging gates, and replaces failed hardware, in addition to building new fences.
Is Spanish spoken at Mitre's Fence?
Yes. Se habla espanol. The business is also listed as ASL proficient.
What payment methods does Mitre's Fence accept?
Credit cards, Zelle and Venmo are accepted. Cash, senior citizen and veteran discounts are offered.
What are Mitre's Fence business hours?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Where is Mitre's Fence located?
The shop is at 575 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd, Suite F, San Marcos, CA 92069, serving San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas and northern San Diego.
Still deciding?
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Ask us directly
Call the shop Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Se habla español.