(WASHINGTON) – The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) today granted final approval
for the design for a new White House fence, as proposed by the United States Secret Service (USSS) and
National Park Service (NPS). With the NCPC approval, the USSS and the NPS will now proceed with
construction documentation and contracting for the project.
“NCPC Chairman L. Preston Bryant, Commission members, and their staff have tirelessly collaborated
with the Secret Service and NPS to identify and develop a fence solution that accomplishes national
security goals while simultaneously preserving the character of the unique public space that surrounds the
Executive Residence,” stated Secret Service Chief Strategy Officer Thomas E. Dougherty. He added,
“This could not have been accomplished without the invaluable guidance, expertise, and support of
NCPC.”
The fence for the White House grounds will be a taller and stronger fence that incorporates anti-climb
and intrusion detection technology, while respecting the historical significance and visitor experience at
the White House and President’s Park. The proposed concept is an 11-foot-7-inch fence, with wider and
stronger pickets, and an increase in the space between the pickets. The current fence is about 7 feet tall.
The agencies aim to begin construction of the White House grounds fence in 2018. The initial phase
focuses on the fence around the White House and its immediate grounds. The second phase will address
improvements to the fences around the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Eisenhower Executive
Office Building.
The agencies presented preliminary concepts to the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and NCPC during
informational presentations in April 2016, received initial concept approval in July, presented further
refined concepts in November and December, and have worked diligently to further develop those
concepts to reflect the commissions’ feedback. The CFA granted final approval for the fence design on
January 23, 2017.
Starting in May 2015, the USSS and the NPS implemented a series of temporary security enhancements
and aesthetic improvements for the White House complex. These temporary security measures to E Street
NW, the Ellipse and the removable anti-climb feature installed on the top of the White House fence, have
enhanced protection for the White House and will remain in place until long-term solutions are fully
implemented.