Harrisburg, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 7-307.9 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances makes fences, walls, and hedges permitted by right in every zoning district, then sets a height cap district by district.

Residential: In the RL and RM Zoning Districts, and on any lot used residentially, a fence or wall in the required front yard of a lot, or located to the front of the dwelling, cannot exceed four feet in height. Anywhere else in a residential district, including side and rear yards behind the front of the dwelling, the maximum is six feet (§ 7-307.9(C)).

Other districts: The OSR Zoning District caps fences and walls at four feet. The RF Zoning District caps them at six feet, and a fence or wall in the front yard setback or in any yard that abuts Front Street needs a special exception permit. The CN, CG, DC, and INS districts cap fences and walls at six feet, and the IND district caps fences at eight feet.

Corner visibility: Section 7-307.14 keeps a triangular area graded and free of sight obstructions between a height of three feet and eight feet, which covers structures, nontransparent fences, vegetation, and signs. Where two streets intersect, each of the two shorter legs is measured 30 feet back from the point of intersection of the street cartways, and a third longer leg connects them. A required triangle shows on development plans and serves as a permanent setback line binding present and future owners. No triangle is required for a driveway that serves only one or two dwelling units and enters a local street, and sight distances on state highways follow Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations. Section 7-307.9(A)(5) separately bars any fence, wall, or hedge from obstructing safe sight distances at intersections of streets and driveways.

Going over the limit: Fences and walls must comply with the chapter's standards unless a special exception permit is obtained under Chapter 7-323 (§ 7-307.9(A)(4)). Every permanent fence also needs a building permit (§ 7-307.9(A)(1)).