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York County, PA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Regulated by
Municipality + PA UCC
UCC threshold
Walls over 4 feet (York Twp)
Guard fence
42-inch fence over 6 feet
Setback 4-6 ft wall
6 feet from property line
Drainage
Required on all walls

Summary

Retaining walls are governed by your municipality and Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, not by York County. In York Township, retaining walls over 4 feet must meet the UCC, and walls over 6 feet need a 42-inch protective fence on top.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of York County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Retaining walls over four (4) feet high shall be constructed in accordance with applicable requirements of the Uniform Construction Code. Retaining walls constructed at a height exceeding six (6) feet shall require a minimum forty-two (42) inch high protecting fence on top.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Retaining-wall standards in York County come from municipal zoning ordinances and the statewide Uniform Construction Code (UCC, 34 Pa. Code Ch. 401), administered by your local code office, not the county. York Township requires that retaining walls over 4 feet high be built to UCC standards. Walls over 6 feet must have a minimum 42-inch protective fence within one foot of the fill-side edge. Walls 4 to 6 feet high must sit at least 6 feet from any property line, and walls over 6 feet add one foot of setback for each additional foot of height. All retaining walls need satisfactory drainage. A building permit under the UCC typically applies to walls over 4 feet; verify with your municipality.

Violations & Fines

Building a non-compliant or unpermitted retaining wall violates the UCC and zoning ordinance; enforcement is by the municipal code/zoning officer, with zoning fines up to $500 per day under 53 P.S. §10617.2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in York County?
Generally yes for walls over 4 feet, under the statewide Uniform Construction Code administered by your municipality. Shorter walls may be exempt, but check your local code office.
When does a retaining wall need a fence on top?
In York Township, a retaining wall over 6 feet high needs a minimum 42-inch protective fence within one foot of the fill-side edge. Other municipalities may follow the UCC guard rule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsHeight LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsNeighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All York County rules

Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania fence regulations overview

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