Driveway Swing Gates in San Diego, Custom Built in Our Santee Shop
A driveway swing gate is the classic way to close off a driveway. It hangs on hinges and opens in an arc, just like a front door. Swing gates are the most common choice for San Diego homes: they cost less to automate than most other designs, need no track across the driveway, and give an entry the traditional look most homeowners picture when they think of a gated drive.
San Diego gates
Fred's Fencing Inc. has fabricated and installed swinging gates for driveways across San Diego County since 1984. We weld and powder coat every frame in our own shop at 10560 Kenney St in Santee. We build single and double swing gates, manual or electric, in iron, steel, aluminum, wood and chain link. Our own crews install every gate, not subcontractors.
Single swingOne leaf, one post, one opener.
Double swingTwo leaves meeting at the center.
Is a Swing Gate Right for Your Driveway?
A swing gate is usually the right fit when these apply to your property:
Your driveway is flat or slopes gently.
The gate needs a clear, level arc to open without dragging on the pavement. On a moderate grade, we can often solve this with rising hinges or a stepped bottom rail.
You have room behind the gate.
A single leaf needs clear space equal to its width in the direction it opens. A double gate needs only half that on each side.
Your setback is deep enough.
There must be room for a car to pull fully off the street before the gate starts to open, since the gate should never swing out over a sidewalk or street.
You want the classic look.
A center-opening double gate with ornamental ironwork creates the traditional estate entry many homeowners want.
You want the lower-cost automation option.
A single swing arm operator is usually one of the least expensive ways to automate a driveway.
Why Choose Swing Gates for Driveways?
Swing gates for driveways remain the most popular residential option because they are simple, reliable and cost-effective.
Simpler Hardware, Lower Cost
A swing gate needs only hinges, posts and a latch. There is no track to pour, no rollers to align and no counterbalanced tail. A single swing arm operator typically costs $400 to $800, compared with $700 to $1,500 for a slide gate drive. That difference shows up in the final quote.
Nothing Across the Driveway
A swing gate leaves the driveway clear. There is no rail for rocks, leaves or sand to clog, and nothing for tires to roll over. On gravel or dirt driveways, that means fewer service calls.
Less Room Needed Along the Fence Line
A sliding gate needs a straight, clear run beside the opening. A swing gate needs space inside the property instead. On lots where walls, trees, meters or steps sit right beside the driveway, a swing gate is often the only practical choice.
The Classic Entry Look
A pair of leaves meeting at the center is the traditional estate entry. Arched tops, finials, scrollwork and custom monograms all read best on swinging driveway gates, which is why they remain the first choice for custom iron entries.
Browse all our driveway gates to see every style we build.
All Driveway GatesChoosing a Driveway Gate: Single Swing or Double Swing?
The width of your opening and the space behind it decide between one leaf and two.
Single Swing Driveway Gates
A single swing driveway gate uses one leaf hung from one post. It needs only one opener, half the hinges and half the hardware of a double gate, so it costs less to build, automate and maintain. The tradeoff is the swing room. A single leaf needs clear space equal to its full width, so a 12-foot gate needs 12 feet of clear arc behind it. All the weight also hangs from one post, so that post and its footing must be heavier.
12 Foot and 14 Foot Single Swing Driveway Gates
The 12 foot single swing driveway gate is one of the most common sizes we build. It clears a standard single-car driveway with room for mirrors. The 14 foot single swing driveway gate suits wider drives and two-car openings. Many gate builders treat 14 feet as the practical maximum for a single leaf. Beyond that, the leaf gets heavy, wind load climbs, and sag becomes harder to control, so we usually move to a double gate.
Dual Swing Driveway Gates
Dual swing driveway gates use two leaves that meet in the middle. Each leaf is half the opening, so a 16-foot opening needs only 8 feet of swing room on each side. That makes a double gate the better fit for wide openings and shallow front yards. Dual gates need two operators or a linked drive, plus a center stop and a drop rod to hold the leaves closed. Professionally installed dual-swing systems typically cost 30% to 60% more than a comparable single-leaf setup.
When a Double Swing Driveway Gate Makes Sense
Choose a double swing driveway gate when:
- your opening is wider than about 14 feet
- the driveway approach curves, so a centered opening is easier to drive through
- you have limited room behind the gate
- you want a symmetrical entry that matches pillars or a house facade
For curved or angled approaches, the wider clear opening of a double gate also makes it easier to pull in without cutting the corner.
Metal Swing Gates in San Diego, CA and Other Materials
Most of the metal swing gates we build in San Diego, CA are steel or aluminum, because a swing leaf hangs from one side and needs a rigid frame that will not sag. Material also sets the gate's weight, which decides the hinge, post and operator size.
Steel and Iron Swing Gates
Steel is the strongest and most customizable option, and it is our most requested material for swing gates. Every frame we weld goes through our in-house, 3-stage powder coating line in Santee. That finish keeps a gate in Coronado or Point Loma from bleeding rust within a few years. Read more about how long wrought iron lasts, and see our custom iron fencing to match the gate to your perimeter.
Aluminum Swing Gates
Aluminum weighs about one-third as much as steel and cannot rust, which makes it a strong choice for coastal homes. The lighter leaf puts less strain on hinges and posts, and it works well with solar-powered operators. The tradeoff is that aluminum dents more easily than steel and offers less room for heavy ornamental detail.
Wood and Privacy Swing Gates
Wood gives a warm look and full privacy. On its own, a wide wood leaf will sag over time, so we build wood driveway gates on a welded steel frame. We can match the infill to your existing wood fencing and gates, tan vinyl or white vinyl privacy fencing for one continuous finish.
Chain Link Swing Gates
For side yards, work yards and commercial lots, a galvanized chain link swing gate is the practical, lower-cost option. It is light, easy to automate and simple to lock with a drop rod or padlock. See our chain link gates and commercial fencing work.
Swing 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.
Manual vs. Electric Swing Gates for Driveways
The right choice depends on how often you use the gate and how far it sits from the house.
Manual Swing Gates
A manual gate opens by hand with a latch, a drop rod or a lockable cane bolt. It needs no power and costs the least to build and maintain. Manual gates suit side yards, RV and boat access, and entries that open only a few times a week. On long manual leaves, we can add a heavy-duty caster wheel at the free end to take weight off the hinges.
Electric Swing Gates for Driveways
Electric swing gates for driveways open with a remote, keypad, phone app, intercom or vehicle exit sensor. A driveway automatic swing gate on a home falls under UL 325 Class I, the category for one to four single-family homes. Residential operators typically open a leaf 90 degrees in about 15 to 19 seconds, depending on gate weight. Battery backup keeps the gate running through most power outages, and every operator has a manual release.
Types of Swing Gate Openers
We choose the operator based on your posts, hinge position, gate size and the look you want:
Linear actuators (ram arms):
A slim arm that extends and retracts between the post and the gate. It is the most popular and easiest to install. Common residential models are rated for leaves up to about 14 to 16 feet and 500 to 850 pounds.
Articulated arms:
A folding arm that mounts on the face of the post. It is the best fit for wide masonry or stone pillars, where a straight actuator will not fit. Many models allow the gate to open up to 120 degrees.
Underground operators:
Buried in a housing beneath the hinge, so nothing shows above ground. They suit ornamental gates where appearance matters most, though most are rated for smaller leaves of about 10 to 13 feet.
For the full picture on motors, access controls and repairs, see our automated driveway gate systems.
Planning Your Swing Gate: Clearance, Direction and Slope
A swing gate works only if its arc is clear. These are the three things we check first on every site visit.
Swing Clearance
The leaf needs a clear arc equal to its width. Here is what that means for common sizes:
- 10-foot single gate: 10 feet of clear space behind the gate
- 12-foot single gate: 12 feet of clear space
- 14-foot single gate: 14 feet of clear space
- 16-foot double gate (two 8-foot leaves): 8 feet of clear space on each side
- 20-foot double gate (two 10-foot leaves): 10 feet of clear space on each side
Leave extra room for parked cars, planters and the operator arm itself.
How much room does your gate need?
Uses the clear-arc rule above (leaf width = clear space). Your exact layout is set on the free site visit.
Swing Direction
Driveway gates should open inward, onto your property. In the City of San Diego, no part of a fence may extend into the public right-of-way without a permit, and the building code bars doors from opening into the right-of-way. A gate that swings over a sidewalk also puts pedestrians at risk.
Sloped Driveways
A driveway that rises from the street is the biggest challenge for a swing gate, because the leaf hits the pavement as it opens uphill. We solve this in one of four ways:
- rising hinges that lift the leaf as it opens
- a stepped or raked bottom rail that follows the grade
- a gate set back to a flatter part of the driveway
- a gate that opens outward, where there is room on your property to do so safely
If none of these work, a sliding gate is usually the answer.
Safety Standards and San Diego Codes
An automated swing gate is heavy machinery, and national standards govern how it is built and wired. We build every electric gate for them.
UL 325: Gate Operator Safety
UL 325 sets the safety rules for the gate operator. Every operator must be listed for its usage class, and Class I covers residential gates serving 1 to 4 single-family homes. Monitored entrapment sensors are required, so the gate stops or reverses if something is in its path.
ASTM F2200: Gate Construction
ASTM F2200 covers how an automated gate itself is built. A swing gate must have no protrusions along its bottom edge that could catch a person or pet. Any gap between the bottom of the gate and the ground of more than 4 inches and less than 16 inches is an entrapment zone and must be protected.
Swing Gate Entrapment Zones
The most common injury point on a swing gate is the space between the open leaf and a nearby wall or pillar. Safety guidelines call for at least 16 inches of clearance between the fully open gate and any wall, or a secondary sensor to protect that zone.
San Diego County Fire Code, Section 96.1.503
An automatic gate across a fire access road or driveway needs an approved emergency key-operated switch, which lets firefighters override the gate. Gates serving more than four homes also need a strobe-activated sensor that opens the gate when an emergency vehicle approaches.
City and County Height Rules
Within San Diego city limits, fences in visibility areas near driveways are limited to 3 feet, open fences elsewhere can reach 6 feet, and front-yard fences over 3 feet need approval. In unincorporated San Diego County, the front-yard limit is 42 inches unless an administrative permit is approved.
Our Swing Driveway Gate Installation Process
Swing driveway gate installation takes 1 to 3 days on site, after fabrication in our Santee shop.
- 01
Site Visit and Measure
We check the opening width, swing arc, grade, soil, setback and power, then recommend a single or double gate. We also flag anything that affects permits, such as front-yard height limits, HOA rules or a fire department key switch.
- 02
Design and Written Quote
You choose the style, infill, top design and powder coat color. You get an itemized, fixed quote, and you can visit our Santee shop to see finished gates and color samples in person.
- 03
Fabrication
We cut, weld and powder coat the leaves, posts and hardware in our Santee shop. Every leaf gets diagonal bracing sized to its width, so it stays square and does not sag.
- 04
Footings and Posts
Hinge posts carry the full weight of each leaf, so we set them in deep concrete footings sized for the gate and our local soils. We let the concrete cure before hanging the gate, so the posts stay plumb under daily use.
- 05
Hang and Align
We mount heavy-duty adjustable hinges, hang the leaves, and set the center stop, drop rod and latch. We then swing each leaf through its full arc by hand to confirm it clears the ground and closes evenly.
- 06
Automation (Electric Gates)
We mount the operator, 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.
- 07
Test and Hand-Off
We set open and close limits, test every safety device, program remotes, and show you the manual release for power outages. Before we leave, we walk you through basic upkeep and when to book your yearly service.
Already have a gate that sags, drags or will not latch? Our iron fencing and gate repair crew rehangs, reinforces and realigns existing swing gates.
Call 619-562-5331How Much Does a Driveway Swing Gate Cost?
An installed driveway swing gate typically runs $2,500 to $8,500 nationally. Custom metalwork, wide openings and San Diego labor rates push many local projects toward the upper half of that range.
Typical price ranges:
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Swing driveway gate, installed (national) | $2,500 to $8,500 |
| Automatic gate, installed (national average) | $2,380 to $8,000; average $4,000 |
| Single swing automation, professionally installed | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Dual swing automation, professionally installed | $2,500 to $6,500, or 30% to 60% more than single |
| Permit fees | $100 to $300 |
| Fred's automated gate projects in San Diego | Basic single swing gates with a standard motor from $3,500 installed; most projects $4,500 to $8,000; large custom gates with intercom and solar $12,000+ |
On a mid-range residential project, the gate structure itself typically accounts for 40% to 55% of the total installed cost.
These factors move the price most:
- opening width
- single or double leaves
- material and infill
- operator type
- how far we trench for power
- access add-ons such as keypads, intercoms, cameras and solar
Driveway Swing Gates for Sale vs. a Custom Installed Gate
If you are shopping for driveway swing gates for sale online, you will find kits in stock widths and a handful of colors. Single swing driveway gates for sale as kits look cheaper, but the price rarely covers posts sized for the leaf weight, concrete footings, power, permits, safety sensors or installation. A kit also has to fit your opening, rather than the other way around.
We sell and install gates built to your exact opening, powder coated in your color and hung 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 swing gate needs little care. Quality operators typically last 10 to 15 years with regular servicing. Follow this schedule:
How OftenTask
Monthly
Check that the gate reverses when a photo eye is blocked, and clear anything from the swing arc
Every 3 months
Grease the hinges and operator pivot points, and check that the leaves still meet evenly at the center
Every 6 months (coastal homes)
Rinse salt film off the gate and operator housing with fresh water
Yearly
Book a professional service covering the operator, battery backup, sensors, open and close limits, hinge adjustment, fasteners and coating touch-ups
On most failing swing gates we are called to fix, the problem is sag: a leaf that has dropped at the free end and now drags or will not latch. It usually comes from an undersized post, a weak footing or a leaf built without enough bracing. Adjustable hinges and a properly braced frame prevent it.
Why San Diego Chooses Fred's Fencing for Swing 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
One of our customers came to us planning a wood gate. After talking through the options, she chose a powder-coated metal double gate instead, for lower maintenance, a longer life and no more wood rot.
Our Work
Swing gates we fabricated in Santee and installed across San Diego County. Tap any photo to enlarge it.
01How much does a driveway swing gate cost in San Diego?
Nationally, an installed swing driveway gate runs about $2,500 to $8,500. Our automated single swing gates start around $3,500, and most projects land between $4,500 and $8,000. Large custom double gates with intercoms or solar can pass $12,000. After a site visit, you get a fixed, itemized quote.
02Should I get a single or double swing driveway gate?
A single gate costs less and uses one operator, but it needs a clear swing room equal to its full width. A double gate needs only half that on each side and suits openings wider than about 14 feet. For most standard driveways, a 12 or 14 foot single gate works well.
03How much space does a swing gate need to open?
A single leaf needs a clear arc equal to its width, so a 12-foot gate needs 12 feet of open space behind it. A double gate needs half the opening on each side, so a 16-foot double gate needs about 8 feet per side. Leave extra room for the operator arm and parked cars.
04Can a swing gate work on a sloped driveway?
Often, yes. On gentle to moderate slopes, we use rising hinges, a stepped bottom rail or a gate set on a flatter part of the driveway. If the driveway climbs steeply from the street, the leaf will hit the pavement, and a sliding gate is usually the better choice.
05Can you add a motor to my existing manual swing gate?
Often, yes. The gate must swing freely, hang level and be strong enough for an operator. The posts must also be solid enough to carry the extra force. We inspect the gate, hinges and posts first, then tell you whether to automate it, reinforce it or replace it.
06What happens to an electric swing gate when the power goes out?
Every operator we install has a manual release, so you can unlock the gate and swing it by hand. We also offer battery backup that keeps the gate running through most outages. At hand-off, we show you exactly how the release works, so you are never stuck inside or outside.
07Which way should a driveway swing gate open?
In most cases, it should open inward, onto your property. A gate should never swing over a public sidewalk or street, and in the City of San Diego, structures cannot extend into the public right-of-way without a permit. Opening outward is an option only where there is safe room on your own property.
08Do I need a permit for a driveway swing 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.
Get a Free Estimate on Your Driveway Swing Gate
Tell us about your driveway and we will come measure it. You get a clear recommendation on single or double, 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.