Fence rules & permits in Towamencin Township, PA
What you need to know before building a residential fence in Towamencin — 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. Towamencin Township requires a Zoning Review for all fences (as well as sheds, retaining walls, driveway expansions, patios, and sidewalks). No work may start until the permit is issued.
Key rules for residential fences
Maximum height / open construction above 6 feet
No fence or wall (except a retaining wall or a permitted building wall) over 6 feet in height may be erected within any required open space, unless the portion above 6 feet has a ratio of open area to solid area of at least 4:1. In practice, solid privacy fences are limited to 6 feet.
Source: Towamencin Township Code — Zoning, General Provisions Applicable to All Districts (eCode360)
Easements and rights-of-way
Township ordinance does not permit placing any fence or structure on an easement or right-of-way without an agreement with the Township. If your property has drainage, utility, or access easements, confirm requirements before planning the fence line.
Source: Towamencin Township — Residential Permit Procedures (PDF)
Drawings required
Permit applications must be completed and submitted with two (2) sets of applicable drawings and specifications showing the proposed work.
Source: Towamencin Township — Residential Permit Procedures (PDF)
How to apply
- Download the Zoning Review application from the Township website.
- Prepare two sets of drawings: a site plan showing property lines, the house, easements, and the proposed fence location, plus fence height and material specifications.
- Submit the application to Code Enforcement (questions: permits@towamencin.org or 215-368-7602).
- Wait for the Zoning Review approval to be issued — no work may start before then.
- Call PA One Call (811) at least 3 business days before digging post holes.
Forms & official pages
Fees
Fee amounts were not confirmed during the last review. The Township directs fee questions to 215-368-7602 or permits@towamencin.org.
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 Zoning Review fee for residential fences.
- Front-yard fence rules and corner-lot sight-triangle restrictions.
- The exact form of easement agreement required if a fence must cross an easement.
Contact
Code Enforcement Department
1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 verify
Phone: 215-368-7602
Email: permits@towamencin.org
Department website
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Towamencin Township?
Yes. Towamencin requires a Zoning Review for all fences, and no work may start until it is issued. Submit the application with two sets of drawings.
How tall can a residential fence be in Towamencin Township?
Solid fences are effectively limited to 6 feet in required open spaces. A taller fence is only allowed if the portion above 6 feet is at least 80% open (a 4:1 open-to-solid ratio).
Can I put a fence in an easement in Towamencin Township?
Not without an agreement with the Township — the ordinance does not permit fences or structures on easements or rights-of-way otherwise. Check your deed and site plan for easements before planning your fence line.
Who do I contact about fence permits in Towamencin Township?
Towamencin Code Enforcement: 215-368-7602 or permits@towamencin.org.
Turn this into a personalized plan
Answer a few questions about your fence and get a free planning packet for Towamencin: permit steps, material quantities, cost ranges, and an action checklist — DIY or contractor.
Sources
- Towamencin Township — Permits & Applications
- Towamencin Township — Zoning Review application (PDF)
- Towamencin Township — Residential Permit Procedures (PDF)
- Towamencin Township Code — Zoning, General Provisions (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 Towamencin Township before building.