Before you look at fence companies in Bensalem, PA, you should learn about the process for getting a fence permit and the zoning rules regarding fences in Bensalem Township.
We try to keep this information up to date, but we do not represent Bensalem Township. Always check with the Township for the current requirements for fence permits.
How high can a fence be in Bensalem Township?
The allowable fence height depends on the zoning district and the fence’s location on the property.
Residential Districts
- Standard Maximum: Generally, fences erected in any front, side, or rear yard may not exceed 6.5 feet in height.
- Front Yards & Driveways: Fences located beyond the front building setback line or abutting a private driveway are restricted to a maximum height of 4 feet.
- Corner Lots (Multiple Front Yards): If a property has multiple front yards:
- Along the street line where the principal building fronts, the maximum height is 4 feet.
- Along the remaining front yard street lines (provided they do not abut a private driveway), the maximum height is 6.5 feet.
Apartments and Commercial/Industrial Districts
- Apartment Buildings/Complexes: Owners are required to maintain a fence on property boundaries (except those fronting a public right-of-way). These fences must be a minimum of 6 feet high and a maximum of 8.5 feet high.
- Industrial or Institutional Districts: Security fences generally must not exceed 6.5 feet, but they may have an additional 1 foot of barbed wire installed above them.
- Junkyards: These properties must be completely surrounded by a fence or wall that is not less than 8 feet in height.
Construction and Erosion Control
- Silt Fences: For temporary erosion control during construction, standard silt fences are 18 inches high, while reinforced silt fences are 30 inches high.
Measurement and Permits
- Measurement: Fence height is measured from the grade level.
- Permit Requirements: You must obtain a permit before installing a fence,. As part of the application process, you must submit a plot plan by a licensed surveyor and indicate the height of the proposed fence.
What are the setback requirements for fences in Bensalem Township?
There are no specific distance setbacks required for fences from property lines in residential districts, provided the fence is located on the property. However, specific placement rules apply regarding rights-of-way, corner lots, and building setback lines.
General Property Lines
- Permitted Locations: Fences may generally be erected in any front, side, or rear yard.
- Survey Requirement: To ensure the fence is installed within your property boundaries, a Pennsylvania Licensed Surveyor must verify the location of permanent markers. A plot plan showing these markers and the fence location must be submitted with the permit application.
Front Yards and Street Lines
- Building Setback Line: The “building setback line” is used to determine allowable fence height rather than prohibiting placement.
- Fences located beyond the front building setback line (meaning in the area between the house and the street) are restricted to a maximum height of 4 feet.
- Fences located at or behind the front building setback line may be up to 6.5 feet high.
- Driveways: Fences abutting a private driveway are restricted to a maximum height of 4 feet.
Corner Lots (Clear Sight Triangle)
On corner lots, you must maintain a “clear sight triangle” to ensure visibility for traffic. No fence (or wall/planting) between the heights of 2 feet and 7 feet is permitted within this triangular area. The size of this setback is measured from the intersection of the street lines:
- 25 feet if both are local streets.
- 35 feet if one is a collector street.
- 45 feet if one is an arterial street.
Apartment Complexes
For properties containing apartment buildings, owners are required to erect and maintain a fence on each boundary of the property, except for any boundary that fronts on a public right-of-way.
Retaining Walls
Unlike fences, retaining walls have a specific setback requirement. They must be located no closer than 3 feet from property lines unless construction and maintenance easements are obtained from abutting property owners.
What fence materials are allowed in Bensalem Township?
The following fence materials are allowed, subject to specific zoning district regulations:
Residential Districts
In residential districts, fences may be constructed of the following materials:
- Wood: Specifically “stockade” fences (with the frame facing the interior of the lot) and “ranch rail” fences (with at least 12 inches between horizontal rails),,. Note that stockade fences are not permitted in residential front yards.
- Metal/Chain Link: Open metal mesh or chain link fences are permitted. They must be supported by pipe or wood posts/frames, which must face the interior of the lot,. Slats or other materials obstructing vision through the mesh are prohibited in front yards.
- Industry Acceptable Materials (Vinyl/PVC): The code permits “any other industry acceptable material sold, distributed or otherwise used for the construction of a fence”,. The Township’s fence permit application specifically lists Wood, Vinyl/PVC, and Metal/Chain Link as standard options.
- Color Restrictions: Fences in residential districts must remain a neutral color; brightly colored or multicolored materials are prohibited,.
Apartment Complexes
For properties containing apartment buildings, permitted fence materials include:
- Wood: Stockade or ranch rail,.
- Metal/Chain Link: Metal mesh or chain link (slats to obscure vision are permitted),.
- PVC: PVC or other similar industry-accepted materials are explicitly permitted for apartment complexes,.
Non-Residential Districts (Commercial, Industrial, Institutional)
- General: Fences in these districts may generally use the same materials and construction permitted in residential districts,.
- Security Fences: In Industrial or Institutional districts only, security fences may have an additional one foot of barbed wire installed above the maximum height of 6.5 feet,.
Prohibited Materials
In residential districts, the following materials are strictly prohibited:
- Wire fences (other than chain link/mesh),
- Barbed wire,
- Electrified fences,
- Any fence constructed of similar materials to those listed above.
Do you need a permit to install or repair a fence in Bensalem Township?
Based on the Bensalem Township Code and administrative documents, the requirements differ depending on whether you are installing a new fence or repairing an existing one.
Installation of a New Fence
Yes, you do need a permit to construct a new fence. The application process includes strict requirements regarding property boundaries:
- Permit Application: You must submit a Fence Permit Application to the Department of Building and Planning,.
- Survey Requirement: A Pennsylvania Licensed Surveyor is required to provide certification that permanent markers are located on the subject property. You must submit a plot plan showing these permanent markers and the location of the proposed fence. The Township FAQ and permit application explicitly state that applications submitted without meeting this survey requirement will be rejected,.
- Fees: For a residential fence, you should expect to pay an application fee (typically $15.00), an “Alteration of Land” permit fee for the fence ($60.00), and a U.C.C. surcharge ($4.50),,.
- Call Before You Dig: You are required by law to contact 811 (Pennsylvania One Call System) at least 48 to 72 hours before beginning any digging or installation.
Repair of an Existing Fence
No, you do not need a permit to repair a fence. The Township Code states that “no permit shall be required for the repair and/or renovation of all or part of a fence existing on any property within the Township”.
Penalties
If you begin a project that requires a permit before the fees are paid and the approved permit is in your possession, the permit fees will be tripled.
Who issues fence permits in Bensalem Township?
In Bensalem Township, fence permits are issued by the Building and Planning Department.
Contact Information
- Office Address: 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
- Phone Number: (215) 633-3644
- Fax Number: (215) 633-3653
- Email: permitcenter@bensalempa.gov
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
How do you apply for a fence permit in Bensalem Township?
To apply for a fence permit in Bensalem Township, you must submit a specific application package to the Building and Planning Department. The process includes strict requirements regarding property boundaries and surveys.
1. Complete the Fence Permit Application
You must fill out the Fence Permit Application, which requires the following details:
- Contact Information: Name, address, and phone number for both the property owner and the contractor/applicant.
- Site Information: The location address, tax parcel number, and zoning district.
- Fence Details: You must specify the height of the fence, the estimated cost, and whether footings are required.
- Materials: You must indicate the fence material, selecting from Wood, Vinyl/PVC, Metal/Chain Link, or Other.
2. Submit a Professional Survey (Critical Requirement)
The Township enforces a strict survey requirement for fence permits. Your application must include a plot plan created by a Pennsylvania Licensed Surveyor.
- Certification: The surveyor is required to provide certification that permanent markers are located on the subject property.
- Plot Plan Contents: The plan must show the permanent markers and the specific location of the proposed fence. It must also certify any restrictions, easements, or other covenants of record.
- Rejection Warning: The application explicitly states: “APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT MEETING THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE REJECTED”.
3. Pay the Required Fees
Fees must be paid upon submission. As of the current fee schedule, the costs for a residential fence are typically:
- Application Review Fee: $15.00.
- Alteration of Land (Fence) Fee: $60.00.
- U.C.C. Surcharge: $4.50 (applied to all applications).
- Total Residential Cost: Approximately $79.50.
For commercial properties, the fee is $750.00 plus the application fee, the U.C.C. surcharge, and an engineering escrow (minimum $2,500.00 or 2% of construction cost).
4. Submit the Application
You may submit your completed application, plot plan, and fees to the Building and Planning Department using one of the following methods:
- In Person/Mail: 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.
- Email: permitcenter@bensalempa.gov.
- Drop Box: A depository box is available at the south (side) entrance of the municipal building for dropping off paperwork.
5. Call Before You Dig
You are required by law to contact 811 (Pennsylvania One Call System) at least 48 to 72 hours before beginning any digging to install your fence. This ensures underground utilities are marked to prevent damage.
- https://bensalempa.gov/departments/building-and-planning/applications-inspections-and-requirements/
- https://bensalempa.gov/resources/faq-miscellaneous/
- https://bensalempa.gov//wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fee_schedule_10-3-2024_v6a.pdf
- https://bensalempa.gov/forms-and-downloads/
- https://bensalempa.gov//wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fence-permit-revised-april-2025-1.pdf
- https://bensalempa.gov//wp-content/uploads/2025/09/fence-permit-revised-april-2025-2.pdf
- https://library.municode.com/pa/bensalem/codes/code_of_ordinances
