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York County, PA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Regulated by
Municipality, not county
York Twp finished side
Faces adjoining property
On property line
Permitted in York Twp
Drainage
Fence must not obstruct
Boundary disputes
Civil matter; get a survey

Summary

Boundary and finished-side fence rules are set locally, not by York County. In York Township, a fence may be placed on the property line but its finished side must face the adjoining property, and it cannot obstruct drainage.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of York County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The finished side of the fence shall face the adjoining property or public right-of-way. Fences may be located on any property line or right-of-way line. Fences shall not be constructed to obstruct drainage.

Source: Pennsylvania Statutes Title 29 P.S. § 41 (Partition Fences)View official code

Full Breakdown

York County sets no neighbor-facing fence rules; these come from your municipal zoning ordinance and, for shared 'partition' fences, from Pennsylvania case and statutory law. York Township requires the finished (smooth) side of a fence to face the adjoining property or public right-of-way, allows fences to sit on the property line, and forbids fences that obstruct drainage. Disputes over a shared boundary line are civil matters resolved between neighbors (a survey often settles them); the township enforces zoning standards, not private property-line disagreements. Pennsylvania's Line Fence Act and partition-fence statutes can allocate cost of a shared rural/farm fence. Check your borough or township for its finished-side and setback requirements.

Violations & Fines

Placing the unfinished side outward or blocking drainage violates the municipal ordinance; the Zoning Officer issues an enforcement notice, with penalties up to $500 per day under 53 P.S. §10617.2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which way does the good side of my fence have to face?
In York Township, the finished side must face your neighbor's property or the public right-of-way. Rules vary by municipality, so confirm with your local zoning office.
Can I put my fence right on the property line?
York Township allows fences on the property line. Confirm the line with a survey first, since boundary disputes are private civil matters, not county-enforced.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsHeight LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All York County rules

Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview

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