Fence rules & permits in Lansdale Borough, PA
What you need to know before building a residential fence in Lansdale — 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. Lansdale Borough requires a Fence Permit for new fence installations, replacements, repairs, and additions to existing fences.
Key rules for residential fences
Maximum height
No fence over 6 feet in height is permitted, unless the portion above 6 feet is non-opaque (open, see-through construction); the total height may not exceed 8 feet in that case.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
Railroad property lines
An entirely opaque fence up to 8 feet tall is permitted along any property line that abuts a railroad.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
Finished side
The finished (good) side of the fence must face adjacent properties and streets.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
Materials
Fences must be constructed of natural-looking materials with either a painted or natural finish. Fencing that is exclusively wire (e.g., bare chain-link-style wire) is prohibited.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
Setbacks from sidewalks and streets
Fences must be at least 2 feet from sidewalks and alleys, and at least 10 feet from the curb of a street with the sidewalk located between the fence and the street.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
Front-yard (architectural) fences
Decorative 'architectural fences' are allowed in front yard areas (at the front edge of the property, property corners, sides of the dwelling, or at a porch or entrance) but may not exceed 25% of the total frontage, must be at least 75% open, and must be between 2 and 3 feet tall.
Source: Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences
How to apply
- Download the Fence Permit application from the Borough's Permit Applications page.
- Prepare a simple site plan showing your property lines, the house, the proposed fence location, and distances to sidewalks, alleys, and street curbs.
- Submit the completed application to the Code Enforcement Department (applications are accepted by email at codeenforcement@lansdale.org).
- Wait for the permit to be issued before starting any 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 permit fee with the Code Enforcement Department before submitting.
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 permit fee amount.
- Typical review/turnaround time for fence permit applications.
- Whether corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions beyond the setback rules above.
Contact
Code Enforcement Department
Lansdale Borough Hall, 1 Vine Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 verify
Phone: 215-368-1691 verify
Email: codeenforcement@lansdale.org
Department website
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Lansdale?
Yes. Lansdale Borough requires a Fence Permit for new fences, replacements, repairs, and additions. Applications are available on the Borough website and can be submitted by email to the Code Enforcement Department.
How tall can a residential fence be in Lansdale?
Generally up to 6 feet. A fence may reach up to 8 feet total only if everything above 6 feet is non-opaque (open/see-through). Along a property line that abuts a railroad, a fully opaque fence up to 8 feet is allowed.
Can I put a fence in my front yard in Lansdale?
Only limited decorative 'architectural fences' are allowed in front yard areas: at most 25% of your frontage, at least 75% open, and between 2 and 3 feet tall.
Which way does the finished side of the fence have to face in Lansdale?
The finished side must face adjacent properties and streets — the structural rails face your own yard.
Turn this into a personalized plan
Answer a few questions about your fence and get a free planning packet for Lansdale: permit steps, material quantities, cost ranges, and an action checklist — DIY or contractor.
Sources
- Lansdale Borough Code, Ch. 405 (Zoning), Art. XVIII — Fences (eCode360)
- Lansdale Borough — What Requires a Permit?
- Lansdale Borough — Permit Applications
- Lansdale Borough — Code Enforcement
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 Lansdale Borough before building.