Sliding Driveway Gates in San Diego, Built in Our Santee Shop
Sliding driveway gates roll sideways along the fence line, so they fit short, sloped and narrow lots where there is no room for a gate to open into the driveway. Fred's Fencing Inc. has fabricated and installed them across San Diego County since 1984. We weld and powder coat every frame in our own shop at 10560 Kenney St in Santee.
San Diego gates
We build two kinds:
Every gate is sized to your opening and finished for your part of the county, whether that means coastal salt air or East County heat. Our own crews install it, not subcontractors.Manual sliding driveway gates, which you open by hand.
Electric sliding driveway gates, with a motor, safety sensors, and remote, keypad or phone access.
Is a Sliding Gate Right for Your Driveway?
A sliding gate is usually the right fit when one or more of these apply to your property:
Your driveway slopes up from the street.
A sliding gate moves across the slope instead of into it, so it never drags on the pavement. A cantilever design handles steep grades best because it hangs above the ground with no track.
Your setback is short.
There is no room for a gate to open into the driveway without blocking a parked car. A sliding gate lets you pull up close to the opening and still open it fully.
Your opening is wide.
Openings of 16 feet or more close cleanly with a single sliding leaf, or with a bi-parting pair on very wide entries. On automated gates, one leaf means one operator, which simplifies wiring and upkeep.
Your lot is exposed to wind.
Rollers or trucks support a sliding gate along its full length. That makes it the steadier choice on hillside and canyon lots, where strong gusts hit hard.
You have room along the fence line.
The gate needs a clear side run about equal to the opening, or about 1.5 times the opening for a cantilever design. That run must be straight and free of trees, meters, walls and steps.
Why Choose Sliding Gates for Driveways?
A sliding gate driveway setup needs room to the side, not in front. The gate travels parallel to the fence, so nothing moves into the driveway or out toward the street. That matters in three common situations:
- 1a driveway that climbs toward the house
- 2a car parked close to the gate
- 3a short setback from the street
Sliding gates for driveways handle all three.
They also hold up well in the wind. Rollers or trucks support a sliding gate along its length, which matters on exposed hillside lots in Poway, Alpine and Mt. Helix.
Where Our Sliding Gates Work Best
We build sliding gates for a wide range of San Diego properties, and each one gets a design matched to how it is used.
Single-family homes:
A sliding gate secures the driveway, keeps kids and pets in, and adds curb appeal. Most homeowners pair it with a remote or keypad so they never leave the car.
Custom estates:
Wide entries with ornamental ironwork, stone pillars and intercom access make a strong first impression. Bi-parting or large cantilever gates cover openings of 20 feet and more.
RV, boat and trailer access:
A side-yard sliding gate opens the full width needed to back in a trailer. A manual design keeps costs down when the gate opens only a few times a month.
HOAs and shared driveways:
Gates serving several homes need heavier operators and fire department access devices. We size the system for higher daily traffic and the added code requirements.
Commercial lots and work yards:
Chain link or steel cantilever gates stand up to trucks, forklifts and constant use. Keycard or keypad control keeps track of who comes and goes after hours.
Rural and hillside properties:
Long driveways far from the house often use solar operators with battery backup. Cantilever designs handle gravel, dirt and steep grades without a track to clog.
Browse all our driveway gates to see every style we build.
All Driveway GatesTypes of Sliding Driveway Gates We Build
We recommend one of four designs after measuring your opening, side clearance and grade.
| Type | How It Moves | Side Space Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-track (rolling) | Wheels ride a V-groove rail set in concrete across the opening | About 1x the opening | Flat, paved driveways and budget-conscious projects |
| Cantilever | Hangs on roller trucks mounted to two posts; no ground track | About 1.5x the opening | Slopes, gravel, uneven ground and busy driveways |
| Bi-parting (dual slide) | Two leaves meet in the middle, each with its own run | About half the opening on each side | Very wide openings and estate entries |
| Telescopic | Two or more panels stack as they open | Roughly half the opening or less | Tight lots with little side room |
V-Track (Rolling) Sliding Gates
V-track gates are the most common residential choice and usually the most affordable. Steel wheels on the bottom of the gate ride a V-groove rail anchored in a concrete pad across the opening. The rail must stay clean, because a pebble or a buildup of leaves can stall the wheels. They suit flat, paved driveways best and need a clear side run about equal to the opening.
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Cantilever gates hang on roller trucks mounted to two posts and carry a counterbalanced tail behind the opening. Gate manufacturers size that tail at about 50% of the opening, so a 24-foot opening needs a 36-foot overall leaf. The gate rides a few inches above grade, so nothing sits in the driveway for tires, dirt or debris to hit. That is why we favor cantilever designs on steep East County driveways.
Bi-Parting and Telescopic Sliding Gates
Bi-parting and telescopic gates solve space problems on wide openings and tight lots. A bi-parting gate uses two leaves that meet in the middle, splitting the travel between both sides of the driveway, which suits wide estate entries. A telescopic gate uses two or more panels that nest together as they open, so it needs roughly half the side room of a single leaf along the fence.
For gates that open by motor, see how our automated driveway gate systems are wired, programmed and serviced.
Manual vs. Electric Sliding Driveway Gates
The right choice depends on how often you use the gate and how far it sits from the house.
| Manual Sliding Driveway Gates | Electric Sliding Driveway Gates | |
|---|---|---|
| How you open it | By hand, with a latch or drop rod | Remote, keypad, phone app, vehicle sensor or intercom |
| Power needed | None | 120V circuit, or solar with battery backup on lighter gates |
| Safety devices | Positive stops and roller covers | Photo eyes and edge sensors, UL 325 listed operator |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher (motor, wiring, sensors, access controls) |
| Upkeep | Clean the track, lube rollers | Same, plus yearly operator and sensor check |
| Best for | Side yards, RV access, rarely used entries | Daily-use driveways, long driveways, rainy nights |
Start manual, automate later
Many owners start manual and add a motor later. That works only if the gate was built for it from day one. It needs:
- level travel
- solid posts
- a gear rack mount
- pickets spaced for automation
We build every sliding frame so it can take an operator later.
How fast an electric slide gate moves
Automatic sliding gates for driveways use a rack-and-pinion or chain drive. A sliding automatic driveway gate on a home falls under UL 325 Class I, the category for one to four single-family homes. That class caps slide gate travel at 1 foot per second (DASMA), so a 16-foot gate takes about 16 seconds to open fully.
Metal Sliding Gates for Driveways and Other Materials
Most of the sliding gates we build are metal, because a sliding leaf needs a rigid frame that will not twist over its run. Material also sets the gate's weight, which decides the operator size.
| Material | Weight | Coastal Performance | Upkeep | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel / wrought iron style | Heaviest | Excellent when powder coated | Low with a sound coating | Strongest and most custom; our most requested |
| Aluminum | About one-third the weight of steel | Excellent, does not rust | Very low | Good for solar operators and long spans |
| Steel frame with wood infill | Heavy | Good; wood needs sealing | Moderate | Warm look, privacy, matches wood fences |
| Chain link | Light | Good with galvanized fabric | Low | Practical for commercial lots and side yards |
| Steel frame with vinyl infill | Medium | Good | Low | Matches white or tan vinyl fencing |
Steel and Iron Sliding Gates
Every frame we weld goes through our in-house, 3-stage powder coating line in Santee. That finish is what keeps a gate in Coronado or Point Loma from bleeding rust within a few years. Steel is also the strongest option for wide spans and custom scrollwork. Read more about how long wrought iron lasts, and see our custom iron fencing to match the gate to your perimeter.
Privacy Infill Sliding Gates
If you want the gate to block views, we can add solid steel, wood slats or vinyl panels to a steel frame. The steel frame keeps the leaf straight over its full run, while the infill sets the look. We can match it to your existing wood fencing and gates, tan vinyl or white vinyl privacy fencing for one continuous finish.
Chain Link Sliding Gates
For work yards and commercial lots, a galvanized chain link slide gate is the practical option. It is light, easy to automate and costs less per foot than ornamental steel. Galvanized fabric resists rust, and privacy slats can be added when you need screening. See our chain link gates and commercial fencing work for examples across San Diego County.
Sliding Gates for Fire Zones
California's Zone 0 rules restrict solid wood near a structure. In high-risk areas we lean toward all-metal gates; see our Zone Zero gates. Steel and aluminum do not burn or carry embers toward the home the way wood slats can. For homes in canyon and brush-adjacent neighborhoods, a metal sliding gate keeps the entry secure while fitting the new ember-resistant zone rules.
Sizing and Space Planning
The gate must clear your widest vehicle and still leave room to park beside the fence when it is open. Standard residential driveway gates run 10 to 16 feet wide (Angi). We build wider for RV access and commercial entries.
| Driveway Opening | V-Track: Side Run Needed | Cantilever: Overall Leaf | Cantilever: Side Run Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft | About 12 ft | About 18 ft | About 18 ft |
| 14 ft | About 14 ft | About 21 ft | About 21 ft |
| 16 ft | About 16 ft | About 24 ft | About 24 ft |
| 20 ft | About 20 ft | About 30 ft | About 30 ft |
| 24 ft | About 24 ft | About 36 ft | About 36 ft |
How much room does your gate need?
Uses the 1× (V-track) and 1.5× (cantilever) rules above. Your exact layout is set on the free site visit.
Add a few inches of overlap at the latch post. Here is what we check on every site visit:
- Side run: the fence line beside the opening must be straight and clear of trees, meters, walls and steps
- Grade: a V-track needs a level run; cantilever gates tolerate more slope across the opening
- Setback: room for a car to pull fully off the street while the gate opens
- Power: distance to a 120V source, or sun exposure for a solar operator
- Pedestrian access: a separate walk gate so people never share the vehicle gate's path
Safety Standards and San Diego Codes
An automated sliding gate is heavy machinery, and two national standards govern it. We build and wire every electric gate to both.
| Standard or Code | What It Requires for Sliding Gates |
|---|---|
| UL 325 (operator)National | UL 325 sets the safety rules for the gate operator, the motor unit that moves the gate. Every operator must be listed for its usage class. Class I covers residential gates serving 1 to 4 single-family homes. |
| ASTM F2200 (gate build)National | Openings in the gate, and in the section of fence it covers when open, must be screened so a 2.25-inch sphere cannot pass through, up to 48 inches above grade. Exposed rollers below 8 feet need covers. |
| San Diego County Fire Code, Sec. 96.1.503Fire access | An automatic gate across a fire access road or driveway needs an approved emergency key-operated switch, which lets firefighters override the gate. |
| City of San Diego fence rulesCity limits | Within city limits, fences in visibility areas near driveways are limited to 3 feet, so drivers can see pedestrians and traffic when pulling out. Open fences elsewhere on the lot can reach 6 feet. |
| Unincorporated San Diego CountyCounty zoning | Properties outside city limits, in unincorporated San Diego County, follow county zoning instead. The front-yard limit there is 42 inches unless an administrative permit is approved. |
UL 325 also calls for a separate walk-through gate so people do not use the vehicle gate. We fabricate matching iron pedestrian gates for that.
Taller front gates, gates on retaining walls and new electrical circuits usually need a permit. We pull permits and coordinate inspections as part of the job.
Our Sliding Driveway Gate Installation Process
Sliding driveway gate installation takes 1 to 3 days on site, after fabrication in our Santee shop. One homeowner's review notes that his custom automatic gate was done in about two weeks from order.
- 01
Site Visit and Measure
We check the opening, side run, grade, soil, setback and power, then recommend V-track or cantilever. We also flag anything that affects permits, such as front-yard height limits, HOA rules or the need for a fire department key switch.
- 02
Design and Written Quote
You choose the style, infill and powder coat color. You get an itemized, fixed quote. You can also visit our Santee shop to see finished gates and color samples in person before you decide.
- 03
Fabrication
We cut, weld and powder coat the gate, posts and guide hardware in our Santee shop. Building everything in-house lets us match your exact opening instead of forcing a stock kit size to fit.
- 04
Footings and Posts
Posts go into concrete footings sized for the gate's weight and our local soils. V-track gates get a level concrete pad with the rail anchored in. We let the concrete cure before hanging the gate, so the posts stay plumb under daily use.
- 05
Hang and Align
We set the rollers or cantilever trucks, level the leaf, and fit the guide rollers, stops and roller covers. We then slide the gate through its full travel by hand to confirm it moves smoothly with no binding or drag.
- 06
Automation (Electric Gates)
We mount the operator and gear rack, run power in conduit, and install photo eyes, edge sensors and your access devices. Where your fire district requires one, we also install the approved emergency key switch at the gate.
- 07
Test and Hand-Off
We set travel limits and force, test every safety device, program remotes, and show you the manual release for power outages. Before we leave, we walk you through basic upkeep, such as keeping the track clean and when to book your yearly service.
Already have a gate that sticks, sags or jumps its track? Our iron fencing and gate repair crew realigns and rebuilds existing sliding gates.
Call 619-562-5331How Much Do Sliding Driveway Gates Cost?
Most automated driveway gates nationwide land between $2,380 and $8,000 installed, with a $4,000 average in 2026. Custom metal, wide openings and San Diego labor rates push many local projects above that midpoint.
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Sliding gate only, before installation | $500 to $5,150 |
| Sliding gate, installed | $1,800 to $7,650 |
| Automatic gate, installed (national average) | $2,380 to $8,000; average $4,000 |
| Permit fees | $100 to $300 |
| Common automatic gate repairs | $200 to $600 |
| Fred's automated gate projects in San Diego | From $3,500; most $4,500 to $8,000; large custom sliding gates with intercom and solar $12,000+ |
These factors move the price most:
- opening width
- material and infill
- V-track or cantilever hardware
- operator size
- how far we trench for power
- access add-ons such as keypads, intercoms, cameras and solar
Driveway Sliding Gates for Sale vs. a Fabricated, Installed Gate
If you are shopping for driveway sliding gates for sale online, you will find kits in stock widths from about 12 to 16 feet. Automatic sliding driveway gates for sale as kits look cheaper, but the price rarely covers footings, a level track pad, power, permits, safety sensors or finish work. Kits also come only in fixed sizes and a handful of colors.
We sell and install gates built to your exact opening, powder coated in your color and backed by our own crew. You get one itemized quote covering the gate, posts, concrete, operator, wiring and permits, so the number you sign is the number you pay.
Maintenance and Lifespan
A well-built sliding gate needs a few minutes of care a month and one professional check a year. Quality operators typically last 10 to 15 years with regular servicing.
How OftenTask
Monthly
Sweep the V-track clear of rocks, leaves and sand; test that the gate reverses when a photo eye is blocked
Every 3 months
Lube rollers, guide wheels and cantilever trucks; check that the gear rack still meshes evenly
Every 6 months (coastal homes)
Rinse salt film off the gate and operator housing with fresh water
Yearly
Professional service: operator, battery backup, sensors, travel limits, fasteners and coating touch-ups
On most failing gates we are called to fix, the weak point is the track: a bent rail, a cracked pad or wheels worn flat. Cantilever gates have no track at all, which is one reason they cost more upfront and less over time.
Why San Diego Chooses Fred's Fencing for Sliding Gates
We build the gate, finish it and install it ourselves, so one company answers for the whole job.
Since 1984: more than 40 years and over 1 million feet of fencing installed across San Diego County
Our own 12,000 sq ft Santee shop: custom widths, heights and designs without waiting on an outside fabricator
In-house 3-stage powder coating: more than 150 colors, built for coastal salt air and inland sun
Code-ready automation: UL 325 listed operators, ASTM F2200 construction, and fire department key switches where required
Direct leadership: you work with Shadi (V.P.) and Paul (Supervisor), not a rotating sales rep
Commercial experience: trusted by clients including Costco Wholesale, Shea Homes and Sycuan Casino Resort
Licensed and insured: CSLB License #529726, with permits and inspections handled for you
See the shop in person10560 Kenney St, Santee — finished gates and color samples on site.
Request a Free On-Site Estimate
Our Work
Sliding gates we fabricated in Santee and installed across San Diego County. Tap any photo to enlarge it.
01How much does a sliding driveway gate cost in San Diego?
Nationally, an installed sliding gate runs about $1,800 to $7,650. Our automated gate projects start around $3,500, and most land between $4,500 and $8,000. Wide custom iron gates with intercoms or solar can pass $12,000. After a site visit, you get a fixed, itemized quote.
02Can a sliding gate work on a sloped driveway?
Yes, it is one of the best options for a sloped driveway. A sliding gate moves across the slope instead of into it, so it never drags on the pavement. A cantilever sliding gate hangs above the ground with no track, so it handles grade changes without a rail in the driveway.
03How much space do I need beside the driveway for a sliding gate?
A V-track gate needs a clear run about equal to the opening. A cantilever gate needs about 1.5 times the opening, because its counterbalance tail extends behind the fence. For a 16-foot opening, plan for roughly 16 feet of clear side run with a V-track or 24 feet with a cantilever.
04Can you add a motor to my existing manual sliding gate?
Often, yes. The gate must slide freely, sit level and be stiff enough to take a gear rack. Pickets also need spacing or mesh that meets ASTM F2200 for automated gates. We inspect the frame, posts and track first, then tell you whether to automate it, reinforce it or replace it.
05What happens to an electric sliding gate when the power goes out?
Every operator we install has a manual release, so you can unlock it and slide the gate by hand. We also offer battery backup that keeps the gate running through most outages. At hand-off, we show you exactly how to use the release so you are never stuck inside or outside.
06Do I need a permit for a sliding driveway gate in San Diego?
It depends on height, location and wiring. In the City of San Diego, front-yard fences over 3 feet generally need approval, and new electrical circuits need a permit. Unincorporated county areas use a 42-inch front-yard limit. We check your parcel, pull the permits and schedule the inspections.
07Do automatic driveway gates need a fire department key switch?
In San Diego County, an automatic gate across a fire access road or driveway must have an approved emergency key-operated switch. Gates serving more than four homes also need a strobe-activated opener. We confirm your fire district's requirement during design and install the approved device.
08What is the best sliding gate material for a coastal home?
Aluminum and fully powder-coated steel perform best near the ocean. Aluminum cannot rust and weighs about a third as much as steel. Steel is stronger and more customizable, and our 3-stage powder coating protects it from salt air. Rinsing the gate with fresh water every few months extends its life.
Get a Free Estimate on Your Sliding Driveway Gate
Tell us about your driveway and we will come measure it. You get a clear recommendation on V-track or cantilever, manual or electric, plus a written, itemized quote. No pressure and no surprise line items.
Call 619-562-5331 or request a free on-site estimate. Visit our shop at 10560 Kenney St, Santee, CA 92071 to see finishes in person.