Fence Regulations in York County, PA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated York County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
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.
Fence Requirements in York County, PA
Some RestrictionsYork 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.
Fence Permit Requirements
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.
Fence Permits in York County, PA
Some RestrictionsYork 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.
Neighbor Fence Rules
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.
Fence Neighbor and Boundary Rules, York County PA
Some RestrictionsYork 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
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.
Retaining Wall Rules in York County, PA
Some RestrictionsYork 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.
Material Restrictions
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.
Fence Material Restrictions in York County, PA
Some RestrictionsYork 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.
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