Pennsylvania doesn’t have one fence rule. The state sets a few requirements, and your township or borough sets the rest. Here’s what applies in our service area.
Looking for one township or borough? See fence rules by municipality: a page for each of the 19 municipalities we’ve written up in detail.
1. State building permit: usually not needed
Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code generally exempts fences no more than 6 ft high from a building permit (34 Pa. Code § 403.62). Pool barriers and taller fences are different. Either way, the exemption doesn’t cover local zoning.
2. Local zoning permit: usually needed
Most municipalities require a zoning permit and set height limits by yard, finished-side and setback rules, sight triangles at corners, and pool-fence requirements. We prepare and submit the application, track it and keep you updated.
3. PA One Call (811): always, before digging
Pennsylvania’s underground utility law requires notice at least 3 and no more than 10 business days before excavation, including augering fence post holes. We file the request. Utilities mark their public lines, but private lines are usually not marked, including invisible dog fences, sprinklers, lines to sheds, pools, grills or lamp posts, septic and drainage pipes. Sources: PA One Call homeowners, private lines.
4. Your rights under HICPA
Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act covers fences. Contractors doing $5,000 or more of home improvement work a year must register with the Attorney General and show the registration number on ads, estimates and contracts. Jobs over $500 need a written contract, and you can cancel within three business days of signing. Check a contractor at hic.attorneygeneral.gov. Source: PA Attorney General.
Fence rules by municipality
Residential fence rules we’ve verified from each municipality’s published code, last checked September 2026. Codes change and details like corner lots, easements and historic districts matter, so we confirm with the zoning office for every job. Municipalities in our ZIP codes that aren’t listed are ones we confirm case by case.
Pottstown Borough
- Permit
- Yes. A zoning permit is required to install a fence. Township permit page
- Front yard
- In the borough’s residential neighborhoods, up to 4 ft, picket style or brick/stone.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft on interior side and rear lines; 4 ft where a side or rear yard is next to a street.
- Finished side faces out.
- Nothing in the right-of-way; keep sight distance clear.
- A pool area must be enclosed by a fence or wall.
Source: Zoning §27-317 / §27-331 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Limerick Township
- Permit
- Township guidance says fences about 6 ft and under generally don’t need a permit (its FAQ and permit pages word the 6-ft cutoff differently, so we confirm). Township permit page
- Front yard
- Up to 6 ft.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft.
Source: Zoning §184-64 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
New Hanover Township
- Permit
- Township FAQ (not re-verified Oct 2026): a permit is needed, replacing boards without new posts is exempt, and pool fences also need a building permit. We confirm with the township. Township permit page
- Front yard
- Up to 4 ft.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft.
- Nothing inside the ultimate right-of-way.
- Clear sight triangle: 25 ft, or 50 ft on collector and arterial roads.
Source: Zoning §27-1909 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Lower Salford Township
- Permit
- Yes, Zoning Officer approval (replacement in kind is exempt). Township permit page
- Front yard
- Up to 4 ft and at least 50% open.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft.
- Not in the right-of-way or permanent easements.
Source: Zoning §164-17 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Upper Hanover Township
- Permit
- Yes. Fence permit from the Zoning Officer for new, replaced or expanded fences (section last amended July 2025). Township permit page
- Front yard
- Up to 4 ft when within 5 ft of the road right-of-way; never inside it.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft (up to 8 ft if the part above 6 ft is mostly open).
- Set at least 1 ft back from property lines unless neighbors agree in writing.
- Finished side (no posts or rails) faces neighbors.
Source: Zoning §500-814 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Douglass Township (Berks County)
- Front yard
- Up to 6 ft.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft.
- Chain link is allowed only with landscaping that screens it from neighbors and the street.
- Keep sight triangles at intersections clear.
- Pool fences at least 4 ft.
Source: Zoning §27-715 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Amity Township
- Permit
- Yes, a zoning permit. Township permit page
- Front yard
- Up to 4 ft.
- Side & rear
- Up to 6 ft.
- Chain link must be screened from neighbors with a planted buffer.
- Pool fences at least 4 ft with gaps no more than 2 in.
Source: Zoning §32-916 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.
Exeter Township
- Permit
- Yes, a building permit.
- Front yard
- The zoning code sets no specific front-yard height limit.
- Side & rear
- Fences up to 10 ft may sit on the property line; taller must be set back 5 ft.
- Not in the right-of-way or easements; keep sight triangles clear.
- Pool barriers at least 4 ft with no opening over 4 in.
Source: Zoning §390-42 · checked September 2026. Codes change, so we confirm with the township before every install.