While homeowners are focused on deciding on gate options that require lower gate repair maintenance for the long term, professional gate installers give greater attention to the regulatory and legal requirements called for when installing automatic electric gates.
It’s essential for home and building owners to understand that state and local authorities impose certain rules and requirements for electric gate installations. Considerations include the rules specified by the homeowners associations in line with concerted efforts to standardize the type, placement and design of electric gate installations in their subdivision or community.
Ignoring the established rules can result in the payment of hefty fines and lengthy legal disputes that will only increase the costs of one’s electric gate investment.
Check with the Local Planning or Zoning Department of Your Community
When planning to install a major improvement in your property, it’s best to first consult with your municipality’s local planning or zoning agency.
Regulations tend to vary per jurisdiction, which could impact your choice of materials, design and size of the gate you propose to install. Zoning regulations could even specify a required distance between your gate and the property line, or the road fronting the location of your electric gate.
The following are other regulatory aspects to look into when planning to install an electric gate system on your property:
Building Codes and Building Permit
Check with the local government’s engineering office if installing an electric gate on your property requires a building permit. Building Permit requirements depend on the building codes established by the local government to ensure that all building constructions, structures and their occupancy take into account the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
A building permit might be required to ensure the proposed gate system is in accordance with the local building code regulations. Failing to secure the necessary permit may result in the removal of the installed gate plus payment of hefty fines.
Safety Standards to Mitigate Hazards
Some state and local governments formulate and promulgate safety standards as a means of mitigating the established risks posed by heavy and powerful systems to people, vehicles and even pets. In
Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety has set safety standards for gate openers or garage door openers (a component of electric gate systems.)
ADA Accessibility Regulations
Although electric gate installations on private property are exempt from the accessibility regulations prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities American Act, homeowners should still include accessibility features as much as possible.