Fence rules & permits in Hatfield Township, PA
What you need to know before building a residential fence in Hatfield — permits, setbacks, key rules, and how to apply. Reviewed 2026-07-20; every rule links to its official source.
Quick answer
Yes — you need a permit. Hatfield Township requires a Fence/Shed Zoning Permit for all new fences, renovations, alterations, and replacements.
Source: Hatfield Township — Permits and Zoning/Planning Forms
Key rules for residential fences
Maximum height
Residential fences may not be taller than 6 feet. No fence or wall over 6 feet in height may be erected within any required open space.
Placement
Fences may be placed on the property line, but may not extend past the front facade (front face) of the home.
Source: Hatfield Township FAQ
Easements
No fence is permitted within any easement benefiting Hatfield Township, the Hatfield Township Municipal Authority, or any other regulatory agency without the written permission of that agency and the Township.
How to apply
- Download the Fence/Shed Zoning Permit application from the Township website.
- Prepare a plot/site plan showing property lines, the house, any easements, and the proposed fence location and height.
- Submit the application to the Building, Planning and Zoning Department at 1950 School Road.
- Wait for the zoning permit to be issued before starting work.
- Call PA One Call (811) at least 3 business days before digging post holes.
Forms & official pages
Fees
Permit fee amounts were not confirmed during the last review. Confirm the current Fence/Shed Zoning Permit fee with the Building, Planning and Zoning Department (215-855-0900).
Applies everywhere in Pennsylvania
Call 811 before you dig
Pennsylvania law requires calling PA One Call (dial 811 or visit pa1call.org) at least 3 business days before any digging — including fence post holes — so underground utilities can be marked for free.
Pool fences
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) adopts the International Residential Code, which requires a barrier around swimming pools capable of holding more than 24 inches of water. If your fence will serve as a pool barrier, these state-level rules apply in addition to local zoning. Exact numbers depend on the code edition your municipality enforces. Confirm current pool barrier requirements with your township when applying — a pool fence usually gets extra review.
Property lines
You are responsible for building on your own property. If you are not certain where your property line is, find your official plot plan (often included with closing documents), check the county GIS map, or hire a surveyor. Building over the line can mean rebuilding the fence at your own cost.
Easements
Drainage, utility, and access easements commonly cross residential lots. Most townships restrict or prohibit fences in easements, and a utility can remove a fence built in one. Your deed and recorded plot plan show easements.
HOA rules
If your home is in a homeowners association, HOA rules apply on top of township rules and are often stricter (style, color, height, approval process). Get HOA approval in writing before applying for the township permit.
Corner lots and sight triangles
Corner lots usually face extra restrictions near intersections so drivers can see cross traffic ('clear sight triangles'). If you are on a corner, ask the township specifically about street-side fence rules.
Still to confirm with the township
These questions weren't answered by official sources at our last review — ask when you call or email:
- Current Fence/Shed Zoning Permit fee.
- Corner-lot and sight-triangle rules for fences near intersections.
- Whether the Township regulates which side of the fence (finished side) must face neighbors.
Contact
Building, Planning and Zoning Department
1950 School Road, Hatfield, PA 19440
Phone: 215-855-0900
Department website
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Hatfield Township?
Yes. Hatfield Township requires a Fence/Shed Zoning Permit for all new fences as well as renovations, alterations, and replacements of existing fences.
How tall can a residential fence be in Hatfield Township?
Up to 6 feet. Fences over 6 feet are not permitted within any required open space.
Can I build my fence on the property line in Hatfield Township?
Yes, fences may be placed on the property line — but they cannot extend past the front face of your home, and they cannot be placed in Township or Municipal Authority easements without written permission.
Where do I submit a fence permit application in Hatfield Township?
Submit the Fence/Shed Zoning Permit application to the Building, Planning and Zoning Department at 1950 School Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. Call 215-855-0900 with questions.
Turn this into a personalized plan
Answer a few questions about your fence and get a free planning packet for Hatfield: permit steps, material quantities, cost ranges, and an action checklist — DIY or contractor.
Sources
- Hatfield Township — Permits and Zoning/Planning Forms
- Hatfield Township — Fence/Shed Zoning Permit application (PDF)
- Hatfield Township — Frequently Asked Questions
- Hatfield Township Code of Ordinances (eCode360)
Last reviewed 2026-07-20. This guide summarizes official sources for planning purposes only and may not reflect amendments made after that date. Always confirm with Hatfield Township before building.