Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Erie, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
Zoning Ordinance Sec. 205.19
Residential Max
6 ft 6 in
Non-Residential Max
8 ft 6 in

Summary

Erie caps fences, hedges and enclosures in required yard space at 6 ft 6 in in Residential Districts and 8 ft 6 in in non-Residential Districts. Height is measured from the maximum grade on either side of the property.

205.19 In a Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet six (6) inches. In a non-Residential District any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space shall not exceed a height of eight (8) feet six (6) inches. Where there is a boundary line between the two districts, the less restrictive 8'6" height shall be permitted.

The height of any fence, hedge or enclosure shall be measured from the maximum grade level on either side of the property to the top of the fence, hedge or enclosure. Where a fence and a wall are combined, the top of the fence/wall shall be restricted by the maximum height as noted above.

Chain Link fences to protect utility substations, pump houses, reservoirs may be increased in height to allow additional safety and security.

Source: Erie Zoning Code – Fences and WallsView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 205.19 of the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 80-2005) limits any fence, hedge or enclosure within the required yard space to 6 ft 6 in in a Residential District and 8 ft 6 in in a non-Residential District; where a district boundary line runs between the two, the less restrictive 8 ft 6 in height applies. Height is measured from the maximum grade level on either side of the property to the top of the fence, hedge or enclosure, and where a fence and wall are combined the combined top is capped at the same maximum. Chain-link fences protecting utility substations, pump houses or reservoirs may be increased in height for safety and security.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations are enforced by the City of Erie Code Enforcement / Zoning Office; non-compliant fences must be lowered or removed. Contact the Zoning Office at (814) 870-1265.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a residential fence be in Erie?
A fence, hedge or enclosure in a Residential District's required yard space may not exceed 6 ft 6 in, measured from the maximum grade on either side of the property.
How is fence height measured?
From the maximum grade level on either side of the property to the top of the fence, hedge or enclosure. Where a fence and wall are combined, the combined top is held to the same maximum.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Erie

All Erie rules

How Erie compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Erie to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview

Get notified when Height Limits in Erie, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.