📋 Key Rule
Pennsylvania municipalities set their own fence permit requirements. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County each have published rules. Pennsylvania has no partition fence statute — boundary disputes go through courts.
Does My Fence Need a Permit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, fence permit requirements are set at the county or municipal level. The general threshold across most Pennsylvania jurisdictions is: Most PA cities: over 6 ft; no statewide partition fence statute. However, local rules vary — always verify with your specific county or city building department before beginning construction.
Common Pennsylvania Fence Permit Thresholds
| Location on Property | Typical Threshold | Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard | Over 6 ft | Required |
| Backyard | 6 ft and under | Varies by county |
| Front yard | Over 4 ft | Required |
| Any location — flood zone | Any height | Required |
How to Find Your Pennsylvania County's Rules
Search for "[your county name] Pennsylvania fence permit" to find your county building department's website. Look for the building, planning, or development services department. Most county websites publish their permit fee schedules and threshold rules online. If you can't find it, call your county's building department directly and ask: "Does a [height]-foot fence in my backyard require a permit?"
Setback Rules in Pennsylvania
Setback requirements for fences in Pennsylvania vary by county zoning district. Most residential zones allow fences to be placed at or near rear and side property lines. Front yard fences must stay behind the right-of-way boundary (which is not the same as the curb or sidewalk edge). See our setback rules guide for how to measure correctly.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Everything you need to prepare before visiting your Pennsylvania county building department.
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