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Scranton, PA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

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Key Facts

Permit Trigger: Fair market value $500+
Overlay Districts: Permit always required
Base Fee: $30 (up to $300 cost)
Mid Tier: $50 + $15 per $1,000
Permit Office: Bureau of Code Enforcement

Summary

Scranton exempts most residential fences with a fair market value under $500 from a zoning permit, but a permit is still required in the Floodplain Overlay and Airport Hazard Overlay zones. Larger fences and any work in an overlay district need a zoning approval letter or building permit from the Bureau of Code Enforcement.

Full Breakdown

Fence permitting is set by Chapter 445 (Zoning, Ord. 54-2023) and Chapter 203 (Contractors, Permits and Inspections, Ord. 38-2022 effective January 1, 2023). Structures including a fence with a fair market value of less than $500 are exempt from a zoning permit, except in the Floodplain Overlay and Airport Hazard Overlay zones where a permit is required regardless of cost. Owners with no-permit fence projects can still request a letter of zoning approval from the Zoning Officer at 570-348-4193 ext. 4531 to document compliance. When a permit is required, the Chapter 203 fee schedule applies: $30 for the first $300 of cost, $40 for $301-$600, $50 for $601-$1,000, then $50 plus $15 per additional $1,000 up to $75,000. Applications go to the Bureau of Code Enforcement at City Hall.

Violations & Fines

Installing a fence without a required zoning or building permit, or any fence in an overlay district without a permit, is a zoning and code violation. Code Enforcement can issue stop-work orders, require after-the-fact permitting at higher cost, or order removal of non-conforming fences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Scranton, PA?

Only if the fence's fair market value is $500 or more, or if the property is in the Floodplain Overlay or Airport Hazard Overlay zone, where any fence needs a zoning permit. Even exempt projects can request a letter of zoning approval.

How much does a Scranton fence permit cost?

Fees follow the Chapter 203 schedule effective January 1, 2023: $30 for projects up to $300, $40 for $301-$600, $50 for $601-$1,000, then $50 plus $15 per additional $1,000 of cost. A state Act 45 surcharge of $4.50 also applies.

Who do I contact about a fence permit in Scranton?

Call the City Zoning Officer at 570-348-4193 ext. 4531 or email planning@scrantonpa.gov. The Bureau of Code Enforcement in the Office of Economic and Community Development handles fence permits and zoning approval letters.

How does Scranton compare?

See how Scranton's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.

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Scranton, PA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

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