The county issues no fence permits. In Allentown, a building permit is required only for a fence higher than 6 feet (and a retaining wall higher than 4 feet). Building without a required permit carries a $100 fine per type of work.
Because Pennsylvania counties do not zone or issue building permits, fence permitting is handled by your municipality under the PA Uniform Construction Code and local zoning. Allentown's official 'When Residential Permits ARE Required' guidance lists a fence higher than 6 feet and a retaining wall higher than 4 feet among the projects that need a permit. Ordinary residential fences at or below 6 feet do not require a building permit, but they must still meet zoning height and location rules (§660-45), so discussing the project with the Zoning Office first is advised. Smaller Lehigh County boroughs and townships run their own permit desks.
"A fine of $100.00 may be imposed for each type of work being done without a permit." Zoning height/location violations are separately enforced by the municipal zoning officer.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lehigh County, PA
Pennsylvania sets no numeric hoarding limit, but the state's animal-neglect law makes it a crime to keep animals without providing each one adequate food, wa...
Lehigh County, PA
Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations make it unlawful to intentionally feed bear or elk anywhere in the Commonwealth, including Lehigh County. Feeding th...
Lehigh County, PA
Home composting is permitted in Lehigh County; Pennsylvania's Act 101 encourages diverting yard waste. There is no county composting permit. Keep piles maint...
Lehigh County, PA
Lehigh County sets no rule on artificial turf. Whether synthetic grass is allowed, and any limits on impervious coverage or front-yard use, depends on your m...
Lehigh County, PA
No Lehigh County rule limits native plantings, and Pennsylvania encourages them. The catch is Allentown's 10-inch weed limit: a deliberate, maintained native...
Lehigh County, PA
Pennsylvania has no law restricting rainwater collection, and Lehigh County imposes none. Homeowners may install rain barrels and cisterns for non-potable us...
See how Lehigh County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.