Glossary

Fence Planning Glossary

Common terms used throughout the guide library.

Bay

The section between two structural posts.

Board-on-board

Overlapping vertical boards intended to reduce sight gaps as wood moves.

Easement

A legal right allowing specified use of part of a property, often for access or utilities.

End post

A terminal post at the end of a fence run.

Good-neighbour fence

A design intended to present a similar finished appearance on both sides.

Locate

The process of identifying and marking buried public utilities before excavation.

Line post

A post within a straight run, between terminal or corner posts.

Racked panel

A panel adjusted so rails or pickets follow a slope.

Return

A short fence run turning away from the main line.

Sight triangle

An area near a road, driveway or corner where visual obstructions may be restricted.

Stepped fence

Level panels installed at successively different elevations on a slope.

Terminal post

An end, corner or gate post that carries loads beyond those of a line post.

Tolerance zone

The locally defined area around utility markings where special excavation procedures apply.