Allentown, PA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Zoning Permit (Zoning Officer)
- Trigger
- Construction/placement of any structure
- Exempt
- Temp. construction fence (<=30 days); retaining wall <=8 ft
- Code Section
- Sec. 1305.02.A; 660-45.A(1)
Summary
Allentown defines a fence as a 'structure,' and Section 1305.02 requires a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Officer before the construction or placement of any structure. Temporary construction-site fences and qualifying retaining walls are exempt from the fence regulations; pool barriers are governed by the building code.
1305.02 ZONING AND BUILDING PERMITS; TIME LIMITATIONS A. Zoning Permits. 1. Permit Required. A Zoning Permit shall be required from the Zoning Officer prior to any of the following: a. the initiation of a new or expanded use of land or structures or the development of new or expanded outdoor storage and display, parking and/or loading docks, b. the construction, expansion or placement of any structure or part of structure thereof ... 2. Application. All requests for zoning permits shall be made in writing by the owner or by his/her authorized agent on forms supplied by the Zoning Officer.
Full Breakdown
, a structure. ' Applications must be made in writing by the owner or authorized agent on the Zoning Officer's forms and, where the officer requires, accompanied by a certified scaled plan showing the structure's exact location relative to lot and street lines. The City lists 'Zoning permits' among the permits it issues. A(1): retaining walls up to 8 feet necessary to hold back slopes or a building wall, and temporary fences around active construction sites if removed within 30 days after completion of construction or expiration of the permit. Residential pool barriers are regulated separately under the building code (PA Uniform Construction Code).
Violations & Fines
Erecting a fence without a required zoning permit, or contrary to the permit, is enforceable under Section 1305.09.B by a civil enforcement proceeding with judgments up to $500.00 per day of continued violation plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The Zoning Officer issues written notices of violation ordering corrective action (Sec. 1305.01).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Allentown?
Are any fences exempt from a permit or the fence rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
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