Lower Paxton, PA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 203-511 of the Lower Paxton Township Code sets fence and wall heights by yard and by use. For a residential property, a fence or wall is erected 12 inches from all property lines. In a front yard, a split rail or any other fence with 25% or less of its surface opaque tops out at four feet, and a masonry wall or a fence with 50% or more of its surface opaque is held to three feet. In side and rear yards a masonry or concrete wall is limited to three feet, any other type of fence to six feet, and a security fence for a swimming pool to eight feet. A corner lot has a front yard along each street it touches (§ 203-522), so the front-yard limits apply on both street sides.

Nonresidential property follows its own list: masonry or concrete walls up to three feet, fences with 50% or less opaque surface up to eight feet, and fences with more than 50% opaque surface up to six feet. Tennis courts and similar outdoor recreational facilities can have chain link fencing up to 10 feet. A retaining wall of any height is allowed where needed to prevent a landslide or other hazardous condition, and a wall more than six feet high needs a fence or railing along the top.

Visibility overrides height. Section 203-511C(1) bars any fence that obstructs visibility at a street or driveway intersection, and § 203-523 requires a clear-sight triangle at every street, alley and access drive intersection. Nothing can be erected, placed or allowed to grow in a way that obscures vision between three feet and 10 feet above ground level, except utility posts, mailboxes, single signposts and trunks of deciduous trees. Where both cartways exceed 20 feet the triangle runs 25 feet along each cartway, and where one or both are 20 feet or less it runs 10 feet along each. In the V Village District, § 203-311 adds a 42 inch cap on fences, walls and continuous hedges between the street right-of-way and the building, and a 36 inch cap inside clear sight triangles.

The owner must keep any fence or wall in good repair, and the Zoning Officer gives written notice to repair or remove one that is not.