Fence Regulations in Bethlehem, PA (2026)
2 verified fence regulations for Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Bethlehem allows fences, hedges, and walls up to seven feet above natural grade in front, side, and rear yards without triggering the city's yard setback lines, under Codified Ordinances Article 1318. Taller fences count as structures and must sit behind the district's regular yard lines. Corner lots carry an added rule keeping anything over two and a half feet out of the intersection sight triangle.
Bethlehem Fence Height and Corner Sight Limits
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem § 1318.16
Fences and Terraces in Side Yards ... Subject to Section 1318.06, the provisions of Section 1318.14 shall not ... apply to fences, hedges, or walls not over seven (7) feet high above the natural grade nor to terraces, steps, uncovered porches, or other similar ... features not over three (3) feet high above the floor of the ground story.
Retaining Walls
Bethlehem caps terraced retaining walls used on steep slopes at a five-foot maximum vertical drop per terrace under the Zoning Ordinance's steep-slope development standards, and the City Planning Commission can require a fence on top of the wall at its discretion.
Bethlehem Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem, Zoning Ordinance § 1318.29(e)
Maximum Vertical Drop Of Terraces When terraces or retaining walls are utilized to cope with steep slopes, the maximum vertical drop per terrace shall be five (5) feet. Furthermore, at the discretion of the City Planning Commission, an appropriate fence may be required.