Who issues a fence permit
Pennsylvania leaves zoning to each township and borough, so each of Chester County's townships and boroughs sets its own fence rules. Your permit, height limits and setback rules come from the municipality your property is in, which isn't always the town in your mailing address. A West Chester address, for example, can be in West Chester Borough or in Westtown, East Goshen, West Goshen or other surrounding townships.
If you're not sure which municipality you're in, your property tax bill lists it.
What local townships say
Here's what the municipalities around Chadds Ford publish about fences on their own sites. Rules change, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with the municipality before work starts.
West Chester Borough
- Permit
- Fence, Shed and Patio Installation Permit, with a site plan
- Height and placement
- In the Historic District, design guidelines say split-rail, chain-link and plastic fences belong only at the rear of a lot
Westtown Township
- Permit
- Fence permit required
- Height and placement
- Up to 5 ft in front-yard setbacks, 6 ft in side and rear yards; 6 in. off side and rear lines, finished side out
East Goshen Township
- Permit
- Permit with a site plan
- Height and placement
- Up to 4 ft in front yards; up to 6 ft in side and rear yards on homes
Thornbury Township
- Permit
- Permit with a plot plan and zoning permit
- Height and placement
- Check with the township
Kennett Township
- Permit
- Required for fences over 4 ft in front or 6 ft in side and rear yards, and for driveway gates
- Height and placement
- Lower fences may not need a permit
Tredyffrin Township
- Permit
- Through the zoning permit application
- Height and placement
- Check with the township
Easttown Township
- Permit
- Zoning permit for a new fence
- Height and placement
- Removing and reinstalling about half or more of a fence counts as a replacement
| Municipality | Permit | Height and placement |
|---|---|---|
| West Chester Borough | Fence, Shed and Patio Installation Permit, with a site plan | In the Historic District, design guidelines say split-rail, chain-link and plastic fences belong only at the rear of a lot |
| Westtown Township | Fence permit required | Up to 5 ft in front-yard setbacks, 6 ft in side and rear yards; 6 in. off side and rear lines, finished side out |
| East Goshen Township | Permit with a site plan | Up to 4 ft in front yards; up to 6 ft in side and rear yards on homes |
| Thornbury Township | Permit with a plot plan and zoning permit | Check with the township |
| Kennett Township | Required for fences over 4 ft in front or 6 ft in side and rear yards, and for driveway gates | Lower fences may not need a permit |
| Tredyffrin Township | Through the zoning permit application | Check with the township |
| Easttown Township | Zoning permit for a new fence | Removing and reinstalling about half or more of a fence counts as a replacement |
Sources: West Chester Borough, Westtown Township, East Goshen Township, Thornbury Township, Kennett Township, Tredyffrin Township, Easttown Township
Questions to ask your municipality
Whatever township you're in, these are the things to pin down before a fence goes in:
- Is a permit needed for this height, and for a replacement as well as a new fence?
- What are the height limits in the front, side and rear yards?
- How far does the fence have to sit from the property line, sidewalk or road?
- Does the finished side have to face out?
- Are there extra rules for corner lots, historic districts or easements?
- If there's a pool, what does the pool barrier code require? (See our pool fence page.)
HOA rules and utility lines
If you live in a development with a homeowners association, its rules on fence style, height and color can be stricter than the township's, and many require approval first.
Before any post holes are dug, Pennsylvania law requires a call to 811 (PA One Call) at least three business days ahead so underground utilities can be marked. If you hire a contractor, the contractor makes the call.
