7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Lehigh County does not zone. In Allentown (the county seat), residential fences in a required front setback max out at 4 feet, or 6 feet if the fence is open-style (picket, split-rail, wrought iron); 6 feet is allowed elsewhere on the lot.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.B
Fences and walls located in required front setbacks may not exceed 4 feet in height, except that fences and walls with a solid to open area ratio of 1:1 or less (such as a picket, split rail or wrought iron fence) may be up to 6 feet in height (maximum).
The county issues no fence permits. In Allentown, a building permit is required only for a fence higher than 6 feet (and a retaining wall higher than 4 feet). Building without a required permit carries a $100 fine per type of work.
Allentown Residential Permit Requirements (PA UCC)
Installing any fence higher than 6 feet. Installing any retaining wall higher than 4 feet. ... A fine of $100.00 may be imposed for each type of work being done without a permit.
Neither Lehigh County nor Allentown zoning requires a neighbor's consent to build a fence on your own property. Boundary and cost-sharing disputes are civil matters under Pennsylvania common law, not a county ordinance.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.A(4)
Fence and wall heights are measured from grade level to the top of the main segment of the fence on the exterior side of the fence or wall that faces a street, alley or other property.
In Allentown, a retaining wall higher than 4 feet needs a building permit. Retaining walls up to 8 feet that hold back slopes or a building wall are exempt from the fence/wall height limits, but still must meet the building code.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.A(1)
The fence and wall regulations of this section do not apply to: (a) Retaining walls up to 8 feet in height that are necessary to hold back slopes or the wall of a building in a location permitted by this zoning ordinance.
Allentown requires that all fences and walls be durably constructed and comply with the building code. Temporary construction fences must be removed within 30 days of finishing work or when the permit expires.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.A(2)
Construction. Fences and walls must be durably constructed and comply with applicable provisions of the building code.
Allentown bars fences made from scrap sheet metal or similar 'junk,' and bans barbed wire or electrified fences in neighborhood zones unless the zoning officer finds it necessary to protect against an unusual hazard.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.A(3)
No fence or wall may be constructed from scrap sheet metal or similar "junk." No fence in a neighborhood zone may be constructed out of barbed wire or be electrically charged, unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the zoning officer that barbed wire is necessary to protect persons from an unusual hazard.
In Allentown's neighborhood zones, walls must be brick or other masonry with a finished appearance. Standard fence materials like wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are fine; required privacy/buffer fences must use PVC, composite wood, or similar durable material.
Allentown Zoning Ordinance § 660-45.B(3)
Wall Materials. Walls must be constructed of brick or other masonry with a finished appearance.
2 cities in Lehigh County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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