7 rules for unincorporated Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Chester County PA does not cap fence height countywide. Limits are set by your borough or township under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Typical local rule: 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side or rear yards for a residence.
Chester County PA issues no fence permit. Your borough or township does. Many now require a zoning permit for any fence, plus a building permit for taller fences. West Goshen Township requires a zoning permit for all fences and a building permit at 8 feet or more.
Chester County PA has no county fence-line law. Placement, spite fences and shared costs are governed by your municipality's zoning ordinance and Pennsylvania common law. Fences generally may not encroach on a neighbor's land or block a required sight triangle at intersections.
Chester County PA sets no retaining-wall standard. Your borough or township regulates them through its zoning and building codes. Many require a permit and cap wall height near the street. West Goshen Township limits a retaining wall in the front setback area to 4 feet and requires a permit.
Chester County PA imposes no general fence requirements; each borough or township does. Common rules include a zoning permit, an open front-yard fence, no obstruction of the sight triangle, and no blocking of drainage swales or utility easements.
Chester County PA does not restrict fence materials. Municipalities do. Some boroughs and townships prohibit barbed wire, electrified or razor-wire fences in residential districts and limit height for solid materials. Check your township's zoning ordinance for allowed materials.
Chester County PA does not specify fence materials. Wood, vinyl, metal, chain link, masonry and composite are generally allowed, subject to your borough or township's zoning ordinance, which may limit solid materials in front yards and ban wire types.
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