How Allentown Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Allentown maintains 134 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Allentown falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Material Restrictions
Allentown prohibits fences and walls made from scrap sheet metal or similar 'junk' anywhere, and bars barbed wire or electrically charged fences in neighborhood (residential) zones unless the Zoning Officer finds barbed wire necessary to protect against an unusual hazard. Walls must be brick or masonry with a finished appearance.
Key details: Prohibited everywhere: Scrap sheet metal / 'junk'. Prohibited in N zones: Barbed wire, electrified (limited hazard exception). Wall material (N zones): Brick / masonry, finished appearance. Code Section: Sec. 660-45.A(3), 660-45.B(3).
A prohibited-material fence is a zoning violation. Under Section 1305.09.B the City may bring a civil enforcement proceeding seeking a judgment of up to $500.00 per day plus court costs and attorney fees, and the Zoning Officer may order removal of non-conforming material such as barbed wire or scrap-metal fencing.
Fence Permit Requirements
Allentown defines a fence as a 'structure,' and Section 1305.02 requires a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Officer before the construction or placement of any structure. Temporary construction-site fences and qualifying retaining walls are exempt from the fence regulations; pool barriers are governed by the building code.
Key details: Permit type: Zoning Permit (Zoning Officer). Trigger: Construction/placement of any structure. Exempt: Temp. construction fence (<=30 days); retaining wall <=8 ft. Code Section: Sec. 1305.02.A; 660-45.A(1).
Erecting a fence without a required zoning permit, or contrary to the permit, is enforceable under Section 1305.09.B by a civil enforcement proceeding with judgments up to $500.00 per day of continued violation plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The Zoning Officer issues written notices of violation ordering corrective action (Sec. 1305.01).
Height Limits
In Allentown's neighborhood (residential) zones, fences and walls in a required front setback may not exceed 4 feet, except open-design fences with a solid-to-open ratio of 1:1 or less (picket, split rail, wrought iron) may reach 6 feet; fences outside the front setback may not exceed 6 feet. In all other zones, front-setback fences may reach 10 feet.
Key details: Front setback (N zones) max: 4 ft (6 ft if 1:1 open ratio). Outside front setback (N zones) max: 6 ft. Front setback (other zones) max: 10 ft fence / 6 ft wall. Code Section: Sec. 660-45.B and 660-45.C.
Fences are 'structures' enforced under the Zoning Ordinance. Per Section 1305.09.B, any person who violates the ordinance may, upon being found liable in a civil enforcement proceeding, pay a judgment of up to $500.00 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The Zoning Officer may order the offending fence corrected or removed.
Retaining Walls
Allentown requires any retaining wall with an exposed face of four feet or more, or any wall that will bear vehicular traffic loading, to be designed by a professional engineer experienced in retaining wall design. The rule sits in the City's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter 350.
Key details: Trigger height: 4 feet exposed or vehicular loading. Design requirement: Professional engineer experienced in retaining walls. Review stage 1: Conceptual design in land development plans. Review stage 2: Structural drawings at building permit stage. Governing chapter: Ch. 350, Land Development and Subdivision (SALDO).
Chapter 350 is administered through the City's land development and building permit review process rather than through a standalone fine schedule. A retaining wall over four feet, or one carrying vehicular loading, that is built without a professional engineer's design, or without City/third-party structural plan approval at the building permit stage, is out of compliance with § 350-7B and can be rejected at plan review or flagged during permit inspection, halting construction until an engineered design is submitted and approved. Because the wall is tied to the land development plan, unapproved construction can also jeopardize the certificate of occupancy for the associated development.
The Bottom Line
Allentown's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Allentown is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Allentown's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.