Fence Requirements: Penn Hills vs Pittsburgh
How do fence requirements rules compare between Penn Hills, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh has fewer restrictions than Penn Hills.
Penn Hills, PA
Allegheny County
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.
View full Penn Hills rules →Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
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.
View full Pittsburgh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Penn Hills | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Front/Street-Side Yard | - | 4 feet maximum, open and ornamental only |
| Rear/Interior Side Yard | - | 6 feet maximum, may be opaque |
| Corner Lot Sight Triangle | - | 3.5 feet within 20 feet of corner |
| Code Section | - | Zoning Code Section 918.03 |
| Exception Process | - | Administrator Exception under Section 922.08 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Penn Hills FAQ
How big is the corner sight triangle in Penn Hills?
Penn Hills measures 25 feet along each curb line from the corner to form the sight triangle. Inside that triangle, nothing over 30 inches tall — fence, hedge, sign, or wall — is allowed.
My neighbor's hedge blocks the corner. Who do I call?
Report it to Penn Hills Code Enforcement at (412) 342-1500. Corner-visibility violations carry correction orders plus daily fines until the obstruction is trimmed or removed.
Pittsburgh FAQ
How tall can a fence be in Pittsburgh?
In front or street-side yards, fences are limited to 4 feet and must be open and ornamental. In rear and interior side yards, fences may be up to 6 feet and may be opaque.
Can I build a privacy fence in my front yard in Pittsburgh?
No. Front-yard fences must be open and ornamental and no taller than 4 feet. Opaque privacy fences are only permitted in rear and interior side yards.
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