Greater Philadelphia’s fence market is one of the most jurisdictionally complex in the country, spanning Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, and Delaware County — the classic five-county southeastern Pennsylvania metro where nearly every township and borough runs its own permit office. Contractors working Doylestown, Glenside, Hatfield, Langhorne, Malvern, Honey Brook, and Morrisville in a single week are navigating half a dozen different building departments, and the character shifts dramatically from the affluent horse-country estates of Chester County to the dense suburban communities of Montgomery County to the historically rich neighborhoods of the city itself. Lancaster County’s Gap community on the western edge of this market brings a different world again — Amish country, farm fence, and rural Lancaster Plain soils.
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Philadelphia Zoning & Permit Guide
City of Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) requires a permit for most permanent fence installations. Philadelphia’s historic district properties — including Society Hill, Old City, and Rittenhouse Square — require review from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Standard residential limits are 6 feet rear/side and 4 feet front.
Montgomery County (Glenside, Hatfield): Each Montgomery County municipality runs its own building department. Glenside is part of Cheltenham Township; Hatfield is an independent borough. Both require permits for permanent residential fences. See our FAQ on fence permit requirements.
Bucks County (Doylestown, Langhorne, Morrisville): Bucks County’s communities are each independently governed. Doylestown Borough has its own permit process distinct from Doylestown Township. Langhorne and Morrisville both require permits. HOA activity across Bucks County’s newer communities is significant.
Chester County (Malvern, Honey Brook, Gap): Chester County hosts some of the most affluent communities in the state. Malvern and Honey Brook each have their own building departments. Gap is in Salisbury Township. Lancaster County’s Amish-adjacent Gap market involves both residential and agricultural fence work.
Pool Safety: Pennsylvania pool barrier requirements mandate a minimum 48-inch (4-foot) enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates. Learn more about making your fence pool code compliant.
Utilities: Pennsylvania law requires calling PA One Call (811) at least three working days before any digging begins.
