Fence Regulations in Doylestown, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Doylestown or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Doylestown has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Doylestown Borough requires all fences be erected within the owner's property lines. No encroachment on public rights-of-way. Pennsylvania has no shared fence cost statute. Disputes typically handled through civil courts.

Key details: Placement: Must be within property lines. Shared Cost: No PA statute requiring it. Right-of-Way: No encroachment allowed. Disputes: Civil matter / survey recommended.

Encroachment on public right-of-way enforced by Borough. Property line disputes handled civilly.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Doylestown gives residents more flexibility on neighbor fence rules.

Permit Requirements

Doylestown Borough requires a $50 fence permit for any fence installation. Application to Building and Zoning Department. Decorative fences under 18 inches and garden fences under 24 inches are exempt from the permit requirement.

Key details: Permit Fee: $50. Decorative Exempt: Under 18 inches. Garden Exempt: Under 24 inches. Department: Building and Zoning.

Fence installed without permit: zoning violation, must obtain retroactive permit or remove fence.

Height Limits

Doylestown Borough: solid/privacy fences max 6 ft, rear/side yards only (not in front yards). See-through fences max 6 ft rear/side to front building line, max 4 ft from building line to front property line. Decorative fences under 18 inches and garden fences under 24 inches exempt from permit.

Key details: Solid Fence: 6 ft max, rear/side only. See-Through (rear): 6 ft max. See-Through (front): 4 ft max. Sight Triangle: 2-7 ft clear at corners.

Zoning violations for non-compliant fences. Must remove or modify to comply.

The Bottom Line

Doylestown'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 Doylestown is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Doylestown can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.