Montgomery County, PA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- County permit
- None issued
- Permit authority
- Borough/township zoning office
- Enabling statute
- MPC, 53 P.S. §10603
- Common requirement
- Zoning permit before install
- Where to apply
- Municipal building department
Summary
The county issues no fence permits. Whether you need one, and the fee, is decided by your Montgomery County municipality under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. Many townships require a zoning permit before a fence is installed.
Zoning ordinances... may permit, prohibit, regulate, restrict and determine: ... (2) Size, height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration, razing, removal and use of structures.
Full Breakdown
Because Pennsylvania counties do not administer zoning or building permits for private fences, there is no county fence permit in Montgomery County. The PA Municipalities Planning Code authorizes each municipality's governing body to regulate the erection and construction of structures, and to require permits. Practice varies: some townships require a zoning permit and a location survey for any fence; others exempt short fences. Abington Township, for example, allows a fence within five feet of the property line only with a permit. Apply through your borough or township building/zoning office, not the county courthouse.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence without a required municipal permit can result in a stop-work order, an after-the-fact permit at a higher fee, and daily fines under the local zoning ordinance until the fence is permitted or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a fence permit from Montgomery County?
Are all fences permit-exempt if they are short?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview
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