Allentown, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback (N zones) max
- 4 ft (6 ft if 1:1 open ratio)
- Outside front setback (N zones) max
- 6 ft
- Front setback (other zones) max
- 10 ft fence / 6 ft wall
- Code Section
- Sec. 660-45.B and 660-45.C
Summary
In Allentown's neighborhood (residential) zones, fences and walls in a required front setback may not exceed 4 feet, except open-design fences with a solid-to-open ratio of 1:1 or less (picket, split rail, wrought iron) may reach 6 feet; fences outside the front setback may not exceed 6 feet. In all other zones, front-setback fences may reach 10 feet.
660-45.B NEIGHBORHOOD ZONES (1) Fences and Walls in Front Setbacks. 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). (2) Fences and Walls Outside of Front Setbacks. Fences and walls located outside front setbacks may not exceed 6 feet in height. ... 660-45.C OTHER ZONES (1) Fences and Walls in Front Setbacks (a) Fences located in required front setbacks may not exceed 10 feet in height. (b) Walls located in required front setbacks may not exceed 6 feet in height. (2) Fences and Walls Outside of Front Setbacks (a) Fences located outside front setbacks may not exceed 10 feet in height. (b) Walls located outside front setbacks may not exceed 8 feet in height.
Full Breakdown
The City of Allentown Zoning Ordinance (Ord. No. 16166, effective January 1, 2026) regulates fences and walls in Section 660-45. B (Neighborhood Zones) limits fences and walls in required front setbacks to 4 feet, but allows fences with a solid-to-open area ratio of 1:1 or less (such as a picket, split rail, or wrought iron fence) up to a maximum of 6 feet; fences and walls outside the front setback may not exceed 6 feet. C (Other Zones) allows fences in required front setbacks up to 10 feet and walls up to 6 feet, and outside the front setback allows fences up to 10 feet and walls up to 8 feet.
07) used a 6 ft / 4 ft split in residential front yards and an 8 ft cap elsewhere; the 2026 rewrite tightened residential front-setback rules. A(4)).
Violations & Fines
Fences are 'structures' enforced under the Zoning Ordinance. Per Section 1305.09.B, any person who violates the ordinance may, upon being found liable in a civil enforcement proceeding, pay a judgment of up to $500.00 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The Zoning Officer may order the offending fence corrected or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front-yard fence be in a residential neighborhood?
How tall can a back-yard fence be?
Where is the height of the fence measured from?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
How Allentown compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview
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