Fence Regulations in Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Pittsburgh limits residential fence height to 3.5 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards under Zoning Code §912.04. Fences taller than 6 feet require a permit. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential districts. Corner-lot sight triangles must remain clear.
Pittsburgh Fence Height – 6 ft Rear/Side, 3.5 ft Front
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Pittsburgh requires a zoning permit for fences up to 6 feet and both zoning and building permits for taller fences. Floodplain fences need a building permit at any height. Apply via OneStopPGH.
Fences: Permits
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Pittsburgh requires the finished side of a fence to face outward toward neighbors. Fences on shared property lines are co-owned with equal maintenance responsibility. Walls over 40 feet need visual relief.
Fences: Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Pittsburgh requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet from lowest grade to top. Walls supporting a surcharge need a permit at any height. Engineered drawings required for taller walls.
Fences: Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pittsburgh requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around all pools 24 inches or deeper. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade.
Fences: Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Pittsburgh limits front-yard fences to 4 feet (open/ornamental only) and rear/side fences to 6 feet. Corner-lot fences within 20 feet of an intersection must stay under 3.5 feet for visibility.
Fences: Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Pittsburgh allows fences of iron, wood, vinyl, stone, or brick. Barbed wire and razor wire are banned in residential areas. Chain-link with slat inserts is limited to GI industrial zones.
Fences: Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Allegheny County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pittsburgh city rules.
Fence Regulations in Allegheny County →