7 rules for unincorporated Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Delaware County, PA sets no countywide fence-height rule. Under the PA Municipalities Planning Code, each of the county's 49 boroughs and townships sets its own limits. For example, Upper Darby Township caps fences at six feet above grade, with front-yard fences in R-3 districts limited to four feet. Check your
Upper Darby Twp. Code §550-39C(1)
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.
There is no county fence permit in Delaware County, PA. Whether a permit is required depends on your borough or township under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Upper Darby Township, for example, requires a fence permit for every new or replacement fence, with a fee of $20 plus $20 per
Delaware County, PA sets no rule on shared or boundary fences. Placement and height are governed by your municipality's zoning code under the PA Municipalities Planning Code, while cost-sharing for a division fence between farm or enclosed land falls under Pennsylvania's Partition Fence Act (53 P.S. §1701 et seq.). Most
Delaware County, PA sets no retaining-wall rule; each borough or township regulates walls under the PA Municipalities Planning Code and the statewide Uniform Construction Code. In Upper Darby Township, retaining walls under four feet need only a fence permit, while walls over four feet require a building permit. Check your
Upper Darby Twp. Code §550-39C(4)
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.
Delaware County, PA sets no fence-placement requirements; each municipality does under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Upper Darby Township, for example, bars fences from front yards in R-C, R-C-1, R-1 and R-2 Residence Districts, with a corner-lot exception. Confirm front-, side- and rear-yard rules with your borough or township.
Upper Darby Twp. Code §550-39B(1)
Fences shall not be constructed, erected and/or maintained in the front yard of any lot, tract or parcel of land located in an R-C, R-C-1, R-1 or R-2 Residence District.
Delaware County, PA restricts no fence materials; each municipality does under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Upper Darby Township, for example, allows chain-link fences only in rear and side yards except in R-3 and R-4 zones, and prohibits electrified fencing. Confirm permitted materials with your borough or township.
Upper Darby Twp. Code §550-39D(6)
Chain-link fences are only allowed in rear and side yards with the exception of R-3 and R-4 Zones.
Delaware County, PA approves or bans no fence materials; each borough or township decides under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Wood, vinyl, aluminum and (in rear/side yards) chain-link are typically allowed; electrified and often barbed-wire fencing are restricted. In Upper Darby, chain-link is limited to rear and side yards. Confirm
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