Fence Permits, HOA Approvals and 811: We Handle the Paperwork

Here’s something a lot of homeowners find out the hard way: in most of Bucks County and eastern Montgomery County, you can’t just put up a fence. Most townships and boroughs require a zoning or fence permit, some historic boroughs want an architectural review, your HOA may have its own approval process, and state law requires a PA One Call before anyone digs. 76 FENCE BucksMont handles all of that as part of the job.

The four checkpoints

Why we don’t quote rules off the top of our heads

You’ll find plenty of websites that list “the” fence height limit or setback. The truth is there isn’t one answer for this area. Doylestown Borough and Doylestown Township are separate municipalities with separate rules. A corner lot may have sight-line limits that an interior lot doesn’t. A property in a Delaware River floodplain, like parts of New Hope, may face extra requirements. So we check the rules for your address every time instead of guessing.

Historic districts take a little more care

If you live on an older borough street, the fence facing the sidewalk is part of the streetscape. Review boards usually care about style, material and how the fence relates to the house and its neighbors. A painted wood picket or a simple iron-look fence often fits older homes better than a tall solid panel out front.

Plan for extra time when review is involved, and bring photos of the house and street. Our guide to historic district fences goes deeper.

How we handle permits

1. Find out what applies. We identify your municipality, check whether a historic district or HOA is involved, and note any floodplain or easement concerns.
2. Gather documents. Your property survey or plot plan helps a lot. We prepare a layout showing where the fence goes, its height and materials.
3. Submit and follow up. We file the application and respond to any questions from the zoning office.
4. Call 811. We submit the PA One Call request and wait for utilities to mark the lines.
5. Build and inspect. Some permits require an inspection, especially pool barriers. We’ll coordinate as needed.

Pool fences get extra scrutiny

Pool barriers have their own rules under PA’s Uniform Construction Code. Barriers must be at least 48 inches, and gates must be self-closing and self-latching and open away from the pool. The inspector has the final say. If you’re adding a pool, see our pool fence page.

About 811

Pennsylvania law requires anyone digging to contact PA One Call at least 3 business days in advance so underground utilities can be marked. That covers every fence post hole. We submit the request for every job. Keep in mind that utility marks generally cover public lines; private lines you added yourself, like a line to a shed, lamp post or invisible dog fence, may not be marked. Tell us about those. Our before you dig guide explains more.

What you can do to help

• Find your survey or plot plan
• Send us your HOA’s fence guidelines, if you have an HOA
• Point out any private buried lines, sprinkler systems or septic components
• Know where your property pins are, if they’ve been located
• Talk with neighbors who share the fence line

Start with a free estimate

Permits are part of the job, not an extra headache for you. We’re licensed and insured, and estimates are free with no dispatch fee. Ready to start? Visit schedule an estimate, or call 215-602-4334 for central and upper Bucks County or 610-477-7080 for lower Bucks and eastern Montgomery County.