Bensalem, PA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed/electrified wire
- Banned outright in residential districts
- Allowed materials
- Stockade, ranch rail, mesh/chain link, or equivalent
- Ranch rail spacing
- At least 12 inches between rails
- Barbed wire exception
- 1 extra foot atop 6.5-ft security fence, industrial/institutional only
- Governing section
- Code § 232-583(d)(5)-(6)
Summary
Bensalem Township limits residential fences to stockade wood, ranch rail wood, open metal mesh or chain link, and other industry-accepted materials, and it flatly bans wire, barbed wire, and electrified fencing in every residential district.
(5)In all residential districts, fences may only be of the following materials and construction:a.Stockade fence of wood, with a wood frame, provided that the framework must face the interior of the lot. Stockade fences shall not be permitted on any residential front yard;b.Ranch rail fence of wood, provided that the distance between each horizontal piece of the fence shall not be less than 12 inches;c.Open metal mesh or chain link fence, supported by posts or frames of either pipe or wood, provided that the posts and frame must face the interior of the lot. In any residential front yard, no slats or other materials may be placed within the mesh or chain links of the fence so as to obstruct vision through the fence;d.Wire, barbed wire, electrified fences and/or any other fences of similar material or construction shall not be permitted in any residential district; or
Full Breakdown
Section 232-583(d)(5) of the Bensalem Township Zoning Code lists the only fence types allowed in residential districts: a wood stockade fence with the framework facing the lot's interior (never in a front yard), a wood ranch rail fence with horizontal pieces spaced at least 12 inches apart, open metal mesh or chain link with posts and frame facing the interior and no slats obstructing vision in a front yard, or another industry-accepted material. Subsection (d)(5)d. then draws a hard line: wire, barbed wire, electrified fences, and similar materials or construction are not permitted in any residential district.
Subsection (d)(5)f. adds that any fence built from the permitted materials cannot be painted or built in bright or multicolored materials and must stay a neutral color so it does not offend adjacent property owners. Outside residential districts, Section 232-583(d)(6) allows the same base materials plus a narrow exception: a security fence up to six and one-half feet high may carry one additional foot of barbed wire above it, but only in industrial or institutional districts, never residential. Apartment buildings and complexes face a separate boundary-fence mandate under Section 232-583(d)(7) requiring a six to eight and one-half foot screening fence built from stockade, ranch rail, metal mesh, or PVC, again excluding wire and barbed wire.
Violations & Fines
Section 232-583(f) makes installing a prohibited material, including barbed wire or an electrified fence in a residential district, a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $600.00 for each offense plus the cost of prosecution, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence around my Bensalem Township house?
What fence materials does Bensalem Township allow at a residence?
Is barbed wire ever allowed in Bensalem Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bensalem
Compare Bensalem to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview
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