Inspect the fence line as one continuous perimeter—including the openings below it

Source facts: perimeter design extends beyond the visible fence fabric

The Department of Defense’s UFC 4-022-03, Security Fences and Gates provides a unified approach to selecting, designing, and installing security fences and gates. It describes fences as measures used to define protected perimeters, deter entry, and support access control. The guidance connects the selected fence with risk assessment, site conditions, clear zones, gates, terrain, drainage, utilities, lighting, and other security measures.

The UFC specifically addresses openings that cross or pass through a perimeter. Culverts, storm drains, sewers, tunnels, and utility openings can require protective measures based on their dimensions and location. It also addresses changes in grade, bottom clearance, fence attachments, intersections, corrosion, and access for maintenance. A visually intact straight run does not prove that the perimeter is continuous.

This UFC is mandatory only in its defined DoD scope. Its drawings are notional or minimum military details that must be adapted for local constraints. A commercial property should use its own risk assessment, approved design, land and utility rights, accessibility obligations, safety rules, environmental conditions, code, and insurer or authority requirements. The article does not prescribe military dimensions or anti-climb features for private sites.

DSE recommendation: inspect by segment, transition, and function

Create a perimeter register and map. Assign a durable identifier to every run, corner, gate, building or wall tie-in, elevation change, water crossing, culvert, drain, utility penetration, temporary section, and adjacent area outside the organization’s control. Record the approved design, material, height, bottom condition, clear-zone assumptions, ownership, and inspection access.

Walk both sides where lawful and safe. View the perimeter in each direction and at ground level. Look for cut, spread, lifted, loose, missing, or deformed fabric or panels; unstable posts; cracked foundations; loose fasteners; failed ties; damaged caps; exposed sharp edges; corrosion; rot; erosion; undermining; animal burrows; and debris.

Challenge every transition. Examine corners, changes in fence type or height, gate-to-fence gaps, hinges, latch edges, wall attachments, roof or canopy approaches, retaining walls, ditches, steep slopes, and locations where snow or soil changes bottom clearance. Temporary patches need an owner and replacement date.

Account for openings. Inventory drains, culverts, streams, conduits, pipe racks, cable trenches, ventilation openings, and shared utility routes. Verify their approved protective treatment remains secured, serviceable, hydraulically safe, and accessible for authorized maintenance. Do not obstruct drainage or emergency function with an improvised grille.

Preserve observation and delay. Remove or manage vegetation, stored materials, dumpsters, pallets, vehicles, construction equipment, and site furnishings that provide concealment, bridge the clear zone, support climbing, or prevent inspection. Coordinate environmental, neighbor, and property-line restrictions.

Exercise gates as part of the line. Check leaves, rollers, tracks, hinges, stops, locks, drop rods, guides, ground gaps, protective devices, emergency access, and closed alignment. Follow the separate approved safety procedure for powered gates; do not defeat entrapment protection to tighten security.

Escalate by exposure. Treat a person-passable breach, failed critical gate, or uncontrolled opening as an active security condition. Establish a guard, alternate barrier, access restriction, or other approved interim control, notify the owner, and document repair and verification.

Inspect after storms, flooding, freeze-thaw cycles, vehicle impact, excavation, utility work, construction, vegetation clearing, reported trespass, or unexplained alarm activity—not only on a calendar. Compare repeated observations by segment to identify corrosion, movement, or erosion before a visible breach develops.

Measure completion by restored function, not a closed work order. Photograph the identified defect, approved temporary control, permanent repair, and verification from consistent viewpoints. A credible perimeter record shows that each line, transition, opening, and gate still provides the delay and channeling assumed by the site security plan.

Official references

U.S. Department of Defense, UFC 4-022-03, Security Fences and Gates, October 1, 2013.

Whole Building Design Guide, Corrosion Prevention and Control: Fencing Knowledge Area.