Reading, PA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire
- Barred near residential uses, under 6 ft
- Electric fencing
- Prohibited except animal invisible fences
- Razor wire
- Only allowed around prisons
- Other bans
- Fabric, broken glass, junk materials
Summary
Reading bans barbed wire in residential and certain commercial districts, electrically charged fencing, razor wire outside prisons, broken glass on fences, and fabric or junk used as fencing material citywide.
The following fences, walls, similar structures or fencing and wall materials shall be prohibited: A. Barbed wire. (1) When the fence, wall or similar structure is located in any residential district associated with a residential use, or abuts a residential property... (2) When the barbed wire would be located less than six feet above grade... C. Electrically charged fences, other than invisible fences for animals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Reading's zoning code prohibits several fencing materials outright. Barbed wire is barred in residential districts and near residential uses, in the C-N and R-PO Zones, and in front yards or along streets in the C-C and C-R Zones, and it can never sit less than six feet above grade. Electrically charged fencing is prohibited everywhere except invisible fences for animals, and razor wire is barred except around a prison or correctional institution. The code also bans fabric fencing, broken glass affixed to any fence or wall, and junk materials such as discarded vehicles or appliances used as fencing.
Violations & Fines
Installing a prohibited fence material is a civil zoning violation. Reading can seek a judgment of $100 to $500 per day before a Magisterial District Judge, plus court costs and attorney fees, until the material is removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in Reading?
Are electric fences legal in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview
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