CFP Site Evaluation & Layout 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When evaluating a sloped site for fence installation, what is the primary method used to follow grade changes while maintaining a consistent appearance?
- Racking the fence panels (Correct answer)
- Installing all posts at the same height
- Using only solid-board panels
- Pouring a continuous concrete grade beam
Correct answer: Racking the fence panels
Racking (raking) allows fence panels to follow the slope of the ground by angling the rails, maintaining a uniform reveal above grade.
Question 2: Before beginning a site layout, a fence installer discovers existing survey stakes are missing. What is the correct action?
- Estimate the property line based on neighboring fences
- Hire a licensed land surveyor to re-establish the boundary (Correct answer)
- Use a GPS smartphone app to determine the property corners
- Ask the homeowner to indicate where they believe the line is
Correct answer: Hire a licensed land surveyor to re-establish the boundary
Only a licensed land surveyor can legally establish or re-establish property boundaries; relying on estimates can result in encroachment disputes.
Question 3: A customer wants a fence installed on a site with expansive clay soil. Which footing adjustment is most appropriate?
- Use shallower footings to reduce cost
- Increase footing depth to below the active clay zone (Correct answer)
- Use wood posts without concrete to allow movement
- Skip footings and use surface-mount post anchors only
Correct answer: Increase footing depth to below the active clay zone
Expansive clay soil heaves with moisture changes, so footings must extend below the active zone to prevent frost or clay-induced post movement.
Question 4: What does a 'setback requirement' refer to in the context of fence layout?
- The distance a fence must be set back from the property line as required by local ordinance (Correct answer)
- The number of feet a fence leans away from vertical
- The gap between the bottom rail and the ground surface
- The clearance required between fence and underground utilities
Correct answer: The distance a fence must be set back from the property line as required by local ordinance
Setback requirements are local zoning regulations specifying the minimum distance a fence must be placed from property lines, roads, or structures.
Question 5: During a site walk, you notice a buried utility flag placed by 811 locating service. What should you do before digging in that area?
- Dig carefully by hand to locate the exact depth
- Avoid all digging within 18–24 inches of the marked line (Correct answer)
- Proceed with power auger since flags are only approximate
- Remove the flag to prevent confusion during installation
Correct answer: Avoid all digging within 18–24 inches of the marked line
The industry standard requires maintaining an 18–24 inch buffer on each side of utility flags and hand-digging within the tolerance zone to avoid strikes.
Question 6: A fence line must cross a natural drainage swale. What is the most appropriate design consideration?
- Fill the swale with concrete before setting posts
- Leave a gap at the bottom of the fence to allow water flow (Correct answer)
- Install the fence directly across the swale without modification
- Redirect water flow with gravel before installing the fence
Correct answer: Leave a gap at the bottom of the fence to allow water flow
Blocking drainage swales can cause water backup, flooding, and fence damage, so a gap or open bottom section must allow water to pass through.
Question 7: When using batter boards and string lines for fence layout, the string represents which element of the fence system?
- The top rail height
- The finished fence face line and post alignment (Correct answer)
- The footing depth reference
- The gate swing arc
Correct answer: The finished fence face line and post alignment
Batter boards and string lines establish the exact horizontal plane and alignment of the fence face, ensuring posts are plumb and in line.
CFP Site Evaluation & Layout 2
When evaluating a sloped site for fence installation, what is the primary method used to follow grade changes while maintaining a consistent appearance?