Penn Hills, PA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- By-right height, side/rear
- up to 8 feet
- Permit needed
- fences over 8 feet
- Reviewing department
- Planning and Economic Development
- Standard applied
- no detriment to adjacent property
- Front yard cap
- 4 feet, 3 feet on corners
Summary
In Penn Hills side and rear yards, fences over 8 feet need a permit from the Department of Planning and Economic Development, which must find the taller fence won't harm neighboring properties.
In required side and rear yards, there are no limits on vegetation. Fences, walls, and retaining walls are limited to eight feet in height unless a permit is issued by the Department of Planning and Economic Development. The Department must determine that fences, walls, and retaining walls in excess of eight feet in height are not detrimental to adjacent properties and otherwise in compliance with local ordinances.
(3) Outdoor Storage. Uses otherwise permitted may utilize property for outdoor storage in conformance with the following performance standards:
A. All proposed outdoor storage must be completely screened from view from all surrounding property. Screening must be in the form of an opaque fence approved by the Penn Hills Planning Commission.
B. No outdoor storage shall be permitted in required front and/or side yards.
C. Fencing must meet the bulk and area regulations of § 1270.05.
D. The Planning Commission may impose minimum and/or maximum height requirements for fencing depending upon the nature of materials to be stored and the conditions of surrounding property. The Planning Commission may impose location, size, and height requirements for fencing above and beyond other bulk and area regulations in this Zoning Code.
E. The Planning Commission may impose other conditions as necessary to protect adjacent properties and/or control aesthetics.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 1278.06(e)(2)(B) of the Zoning Code governs fence height in required side and rear yards across the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Fences, walls, and retaining walls up to 8 feet tall are allowed without special sign-off; anything taller requires a permit from the Department of Planning and Economic Development, which must determine the taller structure is not detrimental to adjacent properties and otherwise complies with local ordinances. Front-yard fences are separately capped at 4 feet, or 3 feet on corner lots with two or more front yards, under § 1278.06(e)(2)(A).
Violations & Fines
Building a fence over 8 feet in a side or rear yard without Department approval is a Zoning Code violation, enforceable by Code Enforcement under the Municipality's standard fine-and-imprisonment penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fence in Penn Hills?
How tall can a Penn Hills front-yard fence be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
Compare Penn Hills to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle fence permit requirements.