Fence Regulations in Reading, PA

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

Fence Permit Requirements

Reading requires a zoning permit before erecting any fence, wall, or similar structure taller than three feet. Height is measured from ground level, so a fence built atop a wall counts as their combined height.

Key details: Permit threshold: Fences/walls over 3 feet tall. Issuing office: Zoning Administrator. Height measurement: Total height above grade, stacked structures combined. Retaining walls: Governed separately under Chapter 180.

Building a fence without the required permit is a civil zoning violation. Reading can pursue a judgment of $100 to $500 per day before a Magisterial District Judge, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Height Limits

Reading caps front-yard fences and walls at four feet and caps everything else at six feet, with an extra foot allowed for decorative posts and taller fencing permitted in Manufacturing and C-H Districts under specific conditions.

Key details: Front yard limit: 4 feet (residential and R-PO). General limit: 6 feet elsewhere, plus ornamentation. Manufacturing/C-H limit: Up to 8 feet near residential. Sight triangle cap: 30 inches near intersections.

Exceeding Reading's fence height limits is a civil zoning violation. The city can pursue a judgment of $100 to $500 per day before a Magisterial District Judge, plus court costs and attorney fees, until the fence is brought into compliance.

Material Restrictions

Reading bans barbed wire in residential and certain commercial districts, electrically charged fencing, razor wire outside prisons, broken glass on fences, and fabric or junk used as fencing material citywide.

Key details: Barbed wire: Barred near residential uses, under 6 ft. Electric fencing: Prohibited except animal invisible fences. Razor wire: Only allowed around prisons. Other bans: Fabric, broken glass, junk materials.

Installing a prohibited fence material is a civil zoning violation. Reading can seek a judgment of $100 to $500 per day before a Magisterial District Judge, plus court costs and attorney fees, until the material is removed.

Compared to other cities, Reading takes a harder line on material restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Reading'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 Reading is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Reading's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.