Fence Regulations in Penn Hills, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Penn Hills or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Penn Hills has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Permit Requirements
Penn Hills requires a zoning/building permit for fences regardless of height. Applications filed with Planning and Code Enforcement Department. Survey or plot plan typically required.
Key details: Permit: Required. Department: Planning and Code Enforcement. Documents: Plot plan showing location. Fee: Around $50-$100. Address: 102 Duff Rd.
Building without a permit: $100-$500 plus double permit fee. Non-compliant fences may be ordered removed at owner cost. Continuing daily violations add $100/day under summary citation.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Pennsylvania has no Good Neighbor fence cost-sharing statute. Each Penn Hills owner pays for their own fence. Finished/good side faces the adjoining property by custom and zoning direction.
Key details: Cost Sharing: Not required. Good Side Rule: Faces neighbor. Boundary Surveys: Recommended. Spite Fence: Common-law doctrine applies. Adverse Possession: 21 years in PA.
No fine for refusing to share fence costs — this is a civil matter. Encroachment onto a neighbor's property: potential civil damages and forced removal. Zoning violation for wrong-side-facing: $100-$300.
Penn Hills is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.
Fence Requirements
Penn Hills requires a clear sight triangle at street intersections. Fences, hedges, and walls over 30 inches prohibited within the triangle measured 25 ft along each curb line.
Key details: Triangle: 25 ft legs. Max Height: 30 inches. Applies To: Fences, hedges, signs. Code: Zoning Chapter 27. State Tie-In: 75 Pa.C.S. 3353.
Sight-triangle violation: $100-$500 first citation, plus mandatory removal. Daily fines continue until corrected. Related traffic-obstruction citations under PA Title 75 possible if parked vehicle is involved.
This is one of the stricter rules in Penn Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Material Restrictions
Most standard fencing materials permitted in Penn Hills: wood, vinyl, chain-link, aluminum, wrought iron. Barbed wire and electric fences prohibited in residential districts.
Key details: Allowed: Wood, vinyl, chain-link, metal. Prohibited Residential: Barbed wire, electric. Finished Side: Facing neighbor. Maintenance: Owner responsibility. Industrial: Barbed allowed above 7 ft.
Barbed wire/electric violation: up to $600 per day plus removal order. Material non-compliance: $100-$500 citation. Failure to face finished side out: correction order with fine if ignored.
Pool Barriers
Pool barriers required per IRC Section R326 adopted through PA UCC: minimum 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Penn Hills enforces at building permit inspection.
Key details: Min Height: 48 inches. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Code: IRC R326 via PA UCC. Above-Ground: Barrier or removable ladder. Permit: Required before fill.
Operating a pool without compliant barrier: immediate stop-use order plus $300-$1,000 fine under PA UCC. Accidents involving non-compliant barriers expose owners to civil liability and potential criminal negligence charges.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Penn Hills actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.
Height Limits
Penn Hills Zoning Ordinance limits fences to 6 ft in rear and side yards and 4 ft in front yards. Corner lots have visibility triangle restrictions at intersections.
Key details: Rear/Side Yard: 6 ft max. Front Yard: 4 ft max. Corner Visibility: Restricted. Code: Chapter 27 Zoning.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Penn Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Penn Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Penn Hills 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.