Reading, PA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- Fences/walls over 3 feet tall
- Issuing office
- Zoning Administrator
- Height measurement
- Total height above grade, stacked structures combined
- Retaining walls
- Governed separately under Chapter 180
Summary
Reading requires a zoning permit before erecting any fence, wall, or similar structure taller than three feet. Height is measured from ground level, so a fence built atop a wall counts as their combined height.
No fence, wall or similar structure greater than three feet in height shall be erected without first obtaining a permit from the Zoning Administrator. The height of fences and walls shall be measured based upon the total height above the ground, such as if a two-foot tall fence is constructed on top of a two-foot tall wall, the structure shall be considered four feet high.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Any fence, wall, or similar structure over three feet high in the City of Reading requires a zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator before construction begins. The code measures total height above grade, so a two-foot fence built on top of a two-foot wall is treated as four feet: pushing it over the threshold even though neither piece alone would trigger the permit. Retaining walls are governed separately under Chapter 180, Construction Codes. This permit rule sits in Part 13 of Reading's Zoning Chapter 600, alongside the height, sight-triangle, and prohibited-material rules for fences and walls citywide.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence without the required permit is a civil zoning violation. Reading can pursue a judgment of $100 to $500 per day before a Magisterial District Judge, plus court costs and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 3-foot fence in Reading?
What if I build a fence on top of a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.