Fence rules & permits in Montgomery Township, PA
What you need to know before building a residential fence in Montgomery Twp — 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. Montgomery Township requires a permit for new fence installations and for replacements that differ from the original fence or were not previously permitted.
Key rules for residential fences
Rear and side yards — maximum height
Boundary fences and walls in rear and side yards may be a maximum of 6 feet in height.
Source: Montgomery Township Code — Zoning, Art. XXI, Fences and Walls (eCode360)
Front yards
Boundary fences and walls are not permitted in front yards unless the front yard abuts a major street — in that case the maximum height is 4 feet. A non-opaque fence up to 6 feet may be allowed if set back at least 15 feet from the right-of-way.
Source: Montgomery Township Code — Zoning, Art. XXI, Fences and Walls (eCode360)
Corner lots
On corner lots, side-yard boundary fences along the street side are limited to 4 feet and must be non-opaque — unless the fence is at least 15 feet back from the ultimate right-of-way or immediately adjoins another residential lot, in which case it may be up to 6 feet and opaque.
Source: Montgomery Township Code — Zoning, Art. XXI, Fences and Walls (eCode360)
How to apply
- Get the residential fence permit application from the Township's Codes & Permits page or the Planning & Zoning office.
- Prepare a site plan showing property lines, the house, street frontages (note if you are on a corner lot), and the proposed fence location and height.
- Submit the application to the Planning & Zoning Department at 1001 Stump Road, Montgomeryville.
- Wait for the 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 permit fee with Planning & Zoning (215-393-6920).
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.
- Which streets the Township classifies as 'major streets' for front-yard fence purposes.
- Whether a like-for-like fence replacement with a previously permitted fence needs a new permit.
Contact
Planning & Zoning Department
1001 Stump Road, Montgomeryville, PA 18936
Phone: 215-393-6920
Department website
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Montgomery Township (Montgomeryville)?
Yes. Montgomery Township requires a permit for new fence installations, and for replacements that differ from the original fence or where the original was never permitted.
How tall can a residential fence be in Montgomery Township?
Up to 6 feet in rear and side yards. Front-yard fences are generally not permitted unless the yard abuts a major street (then max 4 feet).
What are the corner-lot fence rules in Montgomery Township?
Street-side fences on corner lots are limited to 4 feet and must be non-opaque, unless the fence is at least 15 feet back from the right-of-way or directly adjoins another residential lot — then up to 6 feet, opaque allowed.
Who handles fence permits in Montgomery Township?
The Planning & Zoning Department at 1001 Stump Road, Montgomeryville, PA 18936 — phone 215-393-6920.
Turn this into a personalized plan
Answer a few questions about your fence and get a free planning packet for Montgomery Twp: permit steps, material quantities, cost ranges, and an action checklist — DIY or contractor.
Sources
- Montgomery Township Code — Zoning, Art. XXI, Fences and Walls (eCode360)
- Montgomery Township — Codes & Permits
- Montgomery Township — Planning & Zoning
- Montgomery Township — Requirements for Residential Permit Submittals (PDF)
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 Montgomery Township before building.