Fence Regulations in Upper Darby, PA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fences in Upper Darby cap out at six feet above grade townshipwide, dropping to four feet for front yards in the R-3 Residence District, under § 550-39C of the Zoning Code. Fences also can't block sightlines at intersections, driveways or alleys under § 550-39B(4).
Upper Darby Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 550-39B(4), C(1), (2)
No fence may be constructed, erected and/or maintained so that traffic from intersecting streets, driveways or alleys will be obscured from view, thereby endangering the public health, safety and welfare. ... The maximum height of fences on any lot, tract or parcel of land in the Township shall be six feet above grade, deck, patio or terrace. The maximum height of all front yard fences located ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Upper Darby requires a fence permit before erecting or replacing any fence, at a cost of $40 plus $20 per $1,000 of the work's value. Retaining walls under four feet also need a fence permit, not a building permit.
Upper Darby Fence Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 550-39J(2)
A fence permit is required for the erection and construction of any new fence as well as the replacement of an existing fence.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Upper Darby's zoning code requires the finished side of a fence, the side without posts, to face away from the dwelling or building it belongs to. The Zoning Officer enforces this and the Township's broader fence standards.
Upper Darby Fence Finished-Side Rule
Light RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 550-39D(9)
The finished side of the fence, or side without posts, should be facing away from the dwelling or building.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls under four feet tall in Upper Darby need only a fence permit, while anything over four feet requires a full building permit, under § 550-39C(4) of the Zoning Code. Front yard fences also can't sit directly atop a retaining wall without a six-inch setback.
Upper Darby Retaining Wall Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 550-39C(3), (4)
Front yard fences are prohibited from being located directly above retaining walls and must be set back no less than six inches. Retaining walls under four feet in height will require a fence permit and not a building permit. Retaining walls over four feet in height will require a building permit.
Material Restrictions
Upper Darby bans barbed wire, metal spikes, razor ribbon and electrified fencing on any fence, and limits chain-link to rear and side yards outside the R-3 and R-4 Districts, under § 550-39D. Residential fences are otherwise limited to wood, stone, brick, vinyl and wrought iron.
Upper Darby Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsUpper Darby Code § 550-39D(2), (6), (8)
No fence may be constructed, erected and/or maintained which contains barbed wire, metal spikes, razor ribbon, or other dangerous materials. ... Chain-link fences are only allowed in rear and side yards with the exception of R-3 and R-4 Zones. ... Electrified fencing is hereby prohibited.
Looking for Delaware County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Upper Darby city rules.
Fence Regulations in Delaware County →