Harrisburg, PA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 7-307.9(A) of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances starts from a permissive rule: fences, walls, and hedges are permitted by right in all zoning districts, subject to general standards. The first standard is the permit. Under subsection A(1), a building permit is required for all permanent fences and walls. The same paragraph requires any fence or wall to be durably constructed and well-maintained and says fences that have deteriorated must be replaced or removed. The text prints no height threshold below which the permit is waived.

Extra approvals stack on top of the building permit. A fence or wall in a municipal historic district must receive a certificate of appropriateness, as regulated under Chapter 7-317 (§ 7-307.9(A)(2)). A fence or wall in a special flood hazard area must obtain a floodplain special exception permit, as regulated under Chapter 7-315 (§ 7-307.9(A)(3)). A fence or wall that cannot meet the standards of the chapter needs a special exception permit under Chapter 7-323 (§ 7-307.9(A)(4)).

Site limits that affect where the permit can be approved: No fence or wall can be built within the existing public right-of-way, though a fence or wall can sit on a lot line as long as it is not located in front of any required plantings (§ 7-307.9(A)(8)). No fence or wall can obstruct a drainage swale or other needed easement without approval from the City (§ 7-307.9(A)(6)), and none can obstruct safe sight distances at intersections of streets and driveways (§ 7-307.9(A)(5)).

District triggers: In the OSR Zoning District, chain link fences require special exception permits. In the RF Zoning District, a fence or wall in the front yard setback or in any yard that abuts Front Street needs a special exception permit.

Decisions: Under § 7-305.7, permitted uses are zoning decisions made by the Zoning Officer, while special exception uses are decided by the Zoning Hearing Board after an opportunity for review by the Planning Commission. A person aggrieved by a Board decision has 30 days to seek review in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas (§ 7-323.8).