Chapter 1 of 416% of exam

Planning and Estimating

CSLB weights Planning and Estimating at about 16% of the C-13 exam: planning fencing projects, reading and interpreting plans and estimating fencing projects. Some questions require computation, and a calculator is provided. This page is a short survey; the PrepPass C-13 Fencing study guide teaches the section with worked estimates and a full practice exam at CSLB's weights.

Plan the job

Know the license scope, the line, the permit rule and the utility notice before you price.

Permit exemption
Fences not over 7 feet are exempt, other than swimming pool barriers.
2025 CBC 105.2
Underground notice
Notify at least two working days and no more than 14 calendar days before digging; tolerance zone 24 inches.
Cal. Gov. Code 4216.2, 4216

Read the plans

Fence type codes and tables are lookups: read every condition in the question.

Type CL
Chain link; the number is the fabric width in feet.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-3.01B
Gate limits
Maximum gate width 12 feet; vertical stay over 8 feet.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Plan A85

Estimate the quantities

Measure along the slope, subtract gate openings, round up whole items and compute concrete as a cylinder.

Payment length
Measured parallel to the ground slope, not including openings.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Spec. 80-1.04
Line-post spacing
10 feet maximum on chain link.
Caltrans 2024 Std. Plan A85

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