Fence Relocation and Removal: When and How It’s Done
/Fence relocation and removal in Edmonton is usually needed when a property changes: a yard expands, a lot is redeveloped, a survey moves the line, or an old fence has simply reached the end of its life. Done properly, a chain link fence can often be taken down cleanly and, in many cases, reinstalled in a new spot.
At Atlantic Fence, we have been building, repairing and moving chain link fences in Edmonton since 1980. This guide explains when relocation makes sense, when full removal is the better call, and what happens on site from the first visit to the final cleanup.
When Should You Remove or Relocate a Fence?
Most fence moves come down to a change in how the property is used. These are the situations we see most often in Edmonton:
Property expansion. A business adds a yard, parking area or storage space and needs the perimeter pushed out.
Construction and redevelopment. A fence is in the way of new building work, grading or utility installation.
Property line corrections. A survey or Real Property Report shows the fence sits on the wrong side of the line.
Road, lane or easement work. A city project or utility easement requires the fence to be moved back.
Changing security needs. A site needs a new layout, a wider gate opening, or an upgrade to high security fencing.
End of service life. Heavy rust, leaning posts, frost-heaved footings or storm and vehicle damage make repair no longer worth it.
Replacing an old wood fence. Many homeowners remove a worn cedar fence to install low-maintenance chain link.
If the fence is only damaged in one section, a fence repair may be all you need. Removal or relocation makes more sense when the problem is the fence's location or its overall condition.
Can a Chain Link Fence Be Reused?
Often, yes. Chain link is one of the easiest fence types to relocate, because the fabric unrolls from the posts and the parts are standard sizes. How much can be reused depends on condition.
Fabric (mesh): usually reusable if it is not badly rusted, torn or stretched out of shape.
Line posts and top rail: reusable if they are straight and free of deep corrosion. Posts cut during removal can sometimes be reused on a shorter run.
Terminal, corner and gate posts: checked carefully, since they carry the most tension.
Gates: reusable if the frame is square and the hinges and latches work. A sagging gate can often be corrected with on-site welding.
Hardware (ties, bands, caps): usually replaced, because it is inexpensive and older pieces tend to be worn.
Concrete footings: never reused. New footings are always poured on the new line.
If you are relocating an older galvanized fence, it can also be a good time to upgrade to powder-coated chain link in black, brown or green.
How Fence Relocation and Removal Is Done: Step by Step
Every site is different, but a professional fence removal or relocation in Edmonton generally follows these steps.
1. Site assessment and quote
We visit the property, measure the fence line, check the condition of the posts and fabric, and look at access for equipment. We also confirm whether you want the fence removed, relocated, or partly reused. You then get a written quote.
2. Confirm property lines and the new layout
For a relocation, the new fence line is marked out before any work starts. If there is any doubt about the boundary, we recommend checking your survey or Real Property Report first.
3. Utility locates
Before any digging, underground utilities must be located and marked. This protects gas, power and communication lines, and the people working near them.
4. Remove gates and fabric
Gates come off first. The chain link fabric is then untied from the posts, unrolled and stored, or bundled for disposal.
5. Remove rails and posts
Top rails are disconnected and taken down. Posts are then pulled out with their concrete footings, or cut and broken out where a footing cannot be lifted.
6. Fill and restore the ground
Post holes are backfilled and compacted so they do not settle or create trip hazards. Concrete, steel and debris are hauled away.
7. Reinstall on the new line (relocation only)
New post holes are dug, posts are set in fresh concrete, and the rails, fabric and gates go back up. Any worn parts are replaced. If you are adding automation, this is the right time to install a gate operator.
8. Final walkthrough
We check the fence for tension, alignment and gate operation, and walk the site with you before we leave.
What to Know Before Moving a Fence in Edmonton
A few local factors can change how a fence removal or relocation is planned.
Utility locates are required before digging. In Alberta, locate requests go through Utility Safety Partners, Alberta's one-call service. Locates are free, but they take a few business days, so build that time into your schedule.
Know where your property line is. In Alberta, a Real Property Report (RPR) shows where structures, including fences, sit in relation to the boundary. If your new fence line is close to a neighbour, agree on it in advance. A fence on the wrong side of the line is expensive to move twice.
Check permits and bylaws. Fence height limits and permit rules depend on where the fence sits on the lot and how the land is zoned. Check with the City of Edmonton, or your local municipality, before reinstalling a fence in a new position, especially near a street, corner lot or lane.
Plan around winter. Fence removal can be done in most weather. Setting new posts in frozen ground is slower and needs the right equipment, so relocations are easiest to schedule from spring to fall. Footings must be set deep enough to resist frost heave, which is one of the most common causes of leaning fences in Edmonton.
Commercial and industrial sites. Many sites require contractor pre-qualification, site orientation and a hazard assessment before work begins. A COR-certified fence contractor already has these processes in place.
What Affects the Cost of Fence Removal or Relocation?
There is no flat price, because every fence line is different. These are the main factors in a quote:
Length of fence: the total lineal footage being removed or moved.
Number and type of posts: corner, end and gate posts take more work than line posts.
Concrete footings: large or deep footings take longer to remove and add to disposal costs.
Fence height and gauge: taller, heavier industrial fences need more labour and equipment.
Gates and gate operators: swing, slide and automated gates add disconnection and reinstallation work.
Access to the site: tight backyards, slopes or busy commercial lots slow the job down.
Material reuse: how much of the old fence can go back up, and how much must be replaced.
Disposal: hauling away steel, concrete and debris.
Season and ground conditions: frozen or very wet ground can affect timing.
The most accurate number comes from a site visit. You can request a free quote and we will price the job from what we see on site.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
A short run of residential chain link without concrete footings can be a manageable DIY job. Most other fence removals and relocations are better left to a professional crew.
Consider hiring a contractor if:
the posts are set in concrete;
the fence is taller than 6 feet or uses heavy industrial pipe;
there are gates or a gate operator involved;
the work is near buried utilities, a property line or a public road;
the fence will be reinstalled and needs to stay straight, tight and level;
the site requires contractor safety documentation.
Chain link fabric is under tension, posts and footings are heavy, and old fences often hide sharp, rusted edges. A professional crew also has the equipment to pull footings without damaging lawns, paving or nearby structures.
Why Choose Atlantic Fence for Fence Relocation and Removal?
We have worked on chain link fences in Edmonton since 1980, so we know how they are built, how they age, and how to take them apart without wasting good material.
Chain link specialists. Removal, relocation, repair and new installation, all by one crew.
COR-certified and fully ticketed. Our safety program is independently audited, which matters on commercial, industrial and construction sites.
Gates and automation in-house. We are an authorized LiftMaster dealer and can disconnect, move and reconnect gate operators.
Mobile welding. Damaged gates and posts can be repaired on site during a relocation.
Residential, commercial and industrial. From backyard fences to industrial perimeters and commercial lots.
We serve Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan and nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chain link fence be moved to a new location?
Yes. Chain link is one of the easiest fence types to relocate. The fabric, rails and gates can often be reused if they are in good condition. Concrete footings are always replaced on the new line.
How long does fence removal take?
It depends on the length of the fence, the number of posts and the size of the footings. Many residential removals take a day or less. Large commercial or industrial jobs can take longer. We give a timeline with your quote.
Do I need a permit to relocate a fence in Edmonton?
It depends on the fence height, where it sits on the lot, and the zoning. Check with the City of Edmonton or your municipality before reinstalling a fence in a new position.
Do you remove the concrete around fence posts?
Yes. Footings are pulled out with the post or broken out, and the holes are backfilled and compacted. Concrete and steel are hauled away.
Can you remove a fence in winter?
Removal can usually be done through most of the year. Setting new posts for a relocation is easier when the ground is not frozen, so relocations are best planned from spring to fall.
Is it cheaper to relocate a fence than to build a new one?
Often, if the fabric, posts and gates are in good shape and can be reused. If the fence is old or heavily rusted, a new fence may give better value. We will tell you which makes more sense after a site visit.
Do you remove wood fences too?
We specialize in chain link. Many customers have us remove an old wood fence and replace it with a durable, low-maintenance chain link fence. Contact us to discuss your project.
Plan Your Fence Removal or Relocation
Whether your fence needs to move a few metres or come down completely, the right plan saves time, material and money. Check the fence's condition, confirm your property line, book utility locates, and get a clear written quote before work begins.
Atlantic Fence handles fence relocation and removal across Edmonton and surrounding communities. Call 780-450-6628 or book a free on-site assessment. You can also visit us at 7217 Girard Rd, Edmonton, AB T6B 2C5.
