Harrisburg, PA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 7-307.9 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances regulates fence materials in two layers: one citywide list of banned materials and a set of district rules.

Banned everywhere: Under § 7-307.9(A)(7), no fence can be constructed out of fabric, junk, junk vehicles, rolled wire, sheet metal, appliances, tanks, or barrels. Subsection A(1) adds that any fence or wall must be durably constructed and well-maintained.

Barbed and security wire: Barbed, razor, or other security wire fencing is prohibited in the OSR Zoning District (§ 7-307.9(B)(4)), in the RL and RM districts and on a lot used residentially (§ 7-307.9(C)(4)), and in the RF district (§ 7-307.9(D)(4)). Barbed, razor, or other security-type wire fencing is also prohibited in the CN, CG, DC, and INS districts (§ 7-307.9(E)(2)) and in the IND district (§ 7-307.9(F)(2)).

Approved materials by district: In the OSR district, fences and walls are made of brick, stone, ornamental metal, wood, or wood composite material, and chain link fences require special exception permits. In the RL and RM districts and on a lot used residentially, fences and walls are made of brick, stone, ornamental metal, wood, wood composite material, or PVC. In the RF district the list is brick, stone, ornamental metal, wood, or wood composite material. The CN, CG, DC, INS, and IND subsections print no material list, only the wire prohibition.

Exceptions: A fence that cannot meet these standards needs a special exception permit under Chapter 7-323 (§ 7-307.9(A)(4)). Historic district fences also need a certificate of appropriateness under Chapter 7-317, and every permanent fence needs a building permit.