7 rules for unincorporated York County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
York County does not set fence heights. Your borough or township zoning ordinance does, under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. In York Township, residential fences may not exceed 4 feet in a front yard or 6 feet in any other yard.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(A)
For any residential use, no fence shall be erected to a height of more than four (4) feet in any front yard or more than six (6) feet in any other yard unless authorized by Special Exception.
There is no county fence permit. Whether you need a zoning permit depends on your borough or township. In York Township it is unlawful to construct or alter any structure until the Zoning Officer issues a zoning permit, which covers fences.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-1002(A)
It shall be unlawful to commence the construction, moving or alteration of any structure until the Zoning Officer has issued a zoning permit for such work.
Boundary and finished-side fence rules are set locally, not by York County. In York Township, a fence may be placed on the property line but its finished side must face the adjoining property, and it cannot obstruct drainage.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(A)(3),(6),(7)
The finished side of the fence shall face the adjoining property or public right-of-way. Fences may be located on any property line or right-of-way line. Fences shall not be constructed to obstruct drainage.
Retaining walls are governed by your municipality and Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, not by York County. In York Township, retaining walls over 4 feet must meet the UCC, and walls over 6 feet need a 42-inch protective fence on top.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(C)
Retaining walls over four (4) feet high shall be constructed in accordance with applicable requirements of the Uniform Construction Code. Retaining walls constructed at a height exceeding six (6) feet shall require a minimum forty-two (42) inch high protecting fence on top.
General fence standards are set by your borough or township, not York County. York Township requires the finished side to face outward, bars fences in sight triangles and rights-of-way, and prohibits fences that obstruct drainage.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(A)(2),(3)
No fence shall be constructed within the public right-of-way or within a required clear sight triangle. The finished side of the fence shall face the adjoining property or public right-of-way.
Material limits come from your municipality, not York County. York Township prohibits barbed and razor wire except for industrial uses or to confine farm animals, and bans electrically charged fences except for farm animals.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(A)(4),(5)
The use of barbed wire, including concertina wire, razor wire, or similar type wire is prohibited, except for industrial uses or when used to confine farm animals. Electrically charged fences are prohibited except when used to confine farm animals.
Permitted fence materials are decided by your borough or township, not York County. Common materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link are typically allowed; barbed wire and electric fences are restricted, as in York Township.
York Township Zoning Ordinance §265-513(A)(4),(5)
The use of barbed wire, including concertina wire, razor wire, or similar type wire is prohibited, except for industrial uses or when used to confine farm animals. Commercially available pet containment systems may be used in all zoning districts.
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