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Fence Installation in Elkhart, Indiana

Serving Elkhart homeowners, commercial properties, and RV industry facilities with vinyl fencing, chain-link, and custom installations throughout Elkhart County.

Elkhart, Elkhart County

Serving Elkhart

Elkhart is the RV capital of the world, and the industrial and manufacturing footprint of the city shows up in our work there in a real way. A significant share of our Elkhart projects involve commercial chain-link: perimeter fencing for manufacturing plants, storage yards, and RV dealerships that need secure, high-visibility boundaries. But Elkhart is also a city of established residential neighborhoods, and homeowners on the west and south sides of town regularly call us for vinyl privacy fencing and backyard upgrades. The combination of industrial and residential work makes Elkhart one of our most active service areas.

Commercial chain-link is in high demand across Elkhart's manufacturing and industrial properties. Residential vinyl fencing is common in established neighborhoods throughout the city. We also serve new construction developments on Elkhart's expanding edges.

What We Offer in Elkhart

  • Vinyl Fence Installation
  • Chain-Link Fencing
  • Deck & Railing
  • Lakefront Specialty
  • Wholesale Supply
  • Free Estimates

Fencing Services in Elkhart

We offer a full range of fence installation and supply services throughout Elkhart County.

  • Vinyl Fencing

    Low-maintenance, durable vinyl fences for residential and commercial properties. Privacy, picket, and semi-privacy styles available.

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  • Aluminum Fencing

    Powder-coated aluminum fencing for pool surrounds, ornamental front yards, and commercial perimeters. Pool-code compliant heights.

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  • Chain-Link Fencing

    Cost-effective security fencing in multiple heights and gauges. Residential or commercial grade, with optional vinyl coating.

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  • Deck Building

    Custom-built composite and pressure-treated decks across Northern Indiana. Owner-managed builds with aluminum or vinyl railing options.

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  • Outdoor Structures

    Vinyl and aluminum pergolas and gazebos for patios, decks, and lakefront properties. Anchored for Indiana wind and built to match existing fence.

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  • Lakefront Specialty

    Specialized installation for waterfront properties. We understand Northern Indiana's lake communities and their unique challenges.

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Fence Permits in Elkhart

The City of Elkhart Building Services department runs its own permit process, entirely separate from Elkhart County. If your property is inside Elkhart city limits, the city is your permit authority. Elkhart's building department tends to apply stricter standards than the county office, particularly around setbacks and inspection requirements. Properties in unincorporated Elkhart County go through the county building department.

Typical Requirements

  • Permits required for fences over 6 feet in height within Elkhart city limits
  • Commercial fencing projects may require permits regardless of height depending on the zoning district
  • Fences attached to any structure require a permit
  • Post depth must comply with Indiana frost line requirements; minimum 36 inches
  • Industrial and commercially zoned properties often have specific screening and security fence requirements under Elkhart's zoning ordinance
  • Setback and right-of-way clearance requirements apply along all public streets

Where to Apply

Contact the City of Elkhart Building Services Division for permits on properties inside the city. The office is located at Elkhart City Hall, 229 S. Second Street. For properties in unincorporated Elkhart County, contact the Elkhart County Building Department. Industrial properties may need to confirm zoning compliance before the building permit is issued.

HOA Note

Elkhart has a range of neighborhood types, from older established areas without formal HOAs to newer residential developments on the city's perimeter where HOA covenants govern fence materials and height. Commercial and industrial tenants should also confirm that their lease agreement permits fence modifications before beginning the permit process.

Soil and Site Conditions in Elkhart

Elkhart's soils run heavily toward clay in many of the city's residential neighborhoods. Clay soil is dense, retains moisture, and can shift significantly during freeze-thaw cycles. Posts set in heavy clay need to be sized and anchored to account for that lateral movement.

Older urban lots in Elkhart often have buried infrastructure from previous structures, including old foundations, utility lines, and drainage tile. We call 811 before every dig, but we also probe and inspect manually on older city lots where surprises are common.

Industrial properties on the city's perimeter and along the rail corridors often have compacted gravel or fill soils with unpredictable load-bearing qualities. We assess those sites individually before setting posts for commercial perimeter fencing.

Common Fencing Projects in Elkhart

Commercial Chain-Link for RV Industry Facilities

Elkhart produces more than 80 percent of the RVs built in the United States, and the manufacturing and dealership footprint across the city is massive. Perimeter security chain-link for production facilities, storage yards, and dealer lots is some of the most consistent commercial work we do in Elkhart. Heights range from 6 to 10 feet, often with barbed wire top rail.

Residential Privacy Fencing on the West and South Sides

Established residential neighborhoods on Elkhart's west and south sides generate regular demand for vinyl privacy fencing. Homeowners replacing older wood fences or adding backyard privacy for the first time are the primary customers. Six-foot vinyl board-on-board and flat-top styles are the most requested.

School and Recreation Facility Fencing

Elkhart Community Schools and area parks have ongoing needs for chain-link fencing around athletic fields, playgrounds, and facility perimeters. We've installed and replaced chain-link on several Elkhart school sites and work with parks departments on recreational facility upgrades.

New Construction Perimeter Fencing

Elkhart's growth on its northern and eastern edges is adding new subdivisions at a steady pace. Builders and new homeowners in these developments frequently call us for vinyl privacy fencing before move-in or shortly after.

Why Choose Us

Why Elkhart Chooses Area Wide Fencing

We're not the biggest fencing company in Indiana, and we don't try to be. We focus on doing every job right, keeping our customers informed, and leaving the site looking better than when we arrived.

Get a Free Estimate in Elkhart
  • Licensed & Insured

    Fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial fence and deck work.

  • 15+ Years Experience

    Joshua Knisely has been installing fences and decks across Northern Indiana for over 15 years.

  • On-Time & Clean

    We show up when we say we will and always leave the job site clean when we're done.

  • Truly Local

    We live and work in Northern Indiana. We know the region, the terrain, and the regulations.

  • Quality Materials

    We use and supply top-grade vinyl and chain-link materials that last Northern Indiana winters.

  • Free Estimates

    No pressure, no fees. Just honest quotes with clear pricing before any work begins.

What Our Customers Say

Trusted by homeowners and contractors across Elkhart County and Northern Indiana.

They did a great job installing our aluminum fence. Josh was easy to work with and he made sure we were happy every step of the way.

Glenn Daven

Google review

Area Wide Fencing did a great job on our fence. Very respectful, Very Professional, Highly recommended!!! Would definitely use them again!! Sam is a very happy dog now!!

Patricia Warner

Google review

Fence is fantastic!

Nan Pomeroy

Google review

Awesome crew, trustworthy, and great prices! They did my chainlink fence and deck. If I ever move, I would 100% use them again.

Angela Wade

Google review

They built a very nice screened in deck onto the back of my house. I love it. I get a lot of comments on it.

Stacey Loer

Google review

Questions From Elkhart Customers

Does the City of Elkhart require a permit for residential fences under 6 feet?
For most standard residential vinyl or chain-link fences under 6 feet, a permit is not required within Elkhart city limits. However, if the fence is attached to a structure, located on a commercially or industrially zoned lot, or involves any site grading, a permit is required. When in doubt, call Elkhart Building Services before you start.
I have a manufacturing facility in Elkhart and need perimeter security fencing. What height is allowed?
Commercial and industrial properties in Elkhart can typically install higher fences than residential properties, but the allowable height depends on your zoning district and the specific requirements of your site. Many industrial perimeter fences in Elkhart run 8 to 10 feet with barbed wire top rail. We review zoning requirements as part of our commercial estimate process.
My property is in Elkhart County but not inside the city of Elkhart. Do I go through the city for a permit?
No. Properties in unincorporated Elkhart County use the Elkhart County Building Department, which is a separate office from the city's Building Services Division. The two jurisdictions have different processes and requirements. Your property address will tell you which office applies.
Are there buried utility risks I should know about before installing a fence in Elkhart?
Yes. Elkhart's older neighborhoods have underground utilities, drainage tile, and in some cases remnants of old foundations that do not appear in current records. We always call 811 for utility locates before any dig. On older urban lots, we also do manual probing before committing post locations. It takes a little extra time but prevents expensive and dangerous surprises.

Get a Free Estimate in Elkhart

Serving Elkhart, Elkhart County, and all of Northern Indiana. No pressure, free on-site estimates.