Wildlife-Friendly Fencing and Retaining Wall Permitting, Design, and Construction Services

A recent meeting document Town of Jackson - Workshop Packet - 2026-05-18 indicates a future potential acquisition The Town of Jackson is adopting new, detailed standards for wildlife-friendly fencing and retaining walls as part of its LDR update. All new fencing in the Town will be subject to material, height, and design restrictions to improve wildlife permeability and reduce entrapment, with specific requirements varying by NRO tier. Prohibited materials include barbed wire, chain link (except for small enclosures), and picket fencing with gaps greater than ½ inch. Retaining walls over 120 feet in length must feature breaks or staggered designs to allow wildlife passage, and all walls must use materials that prevent wildlife entrapment. The Town will require a new fence permit process for all new fencing, which is expected to generate 50–100 additional staff hours per year and may require outside support for permit processing, inspections, and public education. There will be increased demand for design, engineering, and construction services for both fencing and retaining walls that comply with the new standards, as well as consulting services to assist property owners and developers in meeting the requirements. This is an opportunity for fence and wall contractors, landscape architects, and environmental consultants to provide design/build and compliance services.