Haverford, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Haverford Township Code § 182-727(C)(2) sets one ceiling for fences and walls: six feet. The only carve-outs are a wall built as part of an approved building and a retaining wall, which follow their own rules. Fences and walls belong in the area immediately to the rear of the building line, and § 182-727(B) makes a fence or wall in the front yard of any lot unlawful unless the chapter provides for it.

Solid fences are permitted along the rear yard property lines on all properties. Along the side yard property lines, solid fences are permitted on a property with a minimum width of 50 feet measured at the building line. On a narrower lot the side fence still tops out at six feet, but the portion between five feet and six feet must be at least 50% open, so a solid panel cannot run to full height along the side.

Corner lots can be fenced along the secondary front yard, and the Zoning Officer decides which frontage counts as secondary. A solid fence on that frontage must stay five feet back from the street right-of-way or the public sidewalk, whichever distance is greater, whenever the end of the proposed fence sits less than 20 feet from an existing driveway, intersecting street or alley.

Height is measured vertically from the surface of the ground at the proposed location of the fence to the highest point of the fence, excluding posts. Separately, § 182-727(D)(4) bars any fence or wall from interfering at any time with the sight distance of motor vehicle traffic entering or leaving from adjoining streets and driveways, so a fence under six feet can still be refused or cited if it blocks a driver's view. The Zoning Officer administers the chapter under § 182-901 and has no power to approve work that does not conform, and no fence can be erected until the Zoning Officer approves it and a permit issues.