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.
Do you need a permit to build a fence in Bensalem Township, PA?
Yes, you need a fence permit for any installation of a fence in Bensalem Township. You must complete a Fence Permit Application and get a professional survey of your property by a Pennsylvania Licensed Surveyor.
Do you need a permit to repair a fence in Bensalem Township?
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.
Where do you get a fence permit in Bensalem Township?
You obtain a fence permit from the Building and Planning Department by filing a Fence Permit Application.
You can find the Building and Planning Department in the Bensalem Township Administration Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 or call 215-633-3644.
How much does a fence permit cost in Bensalem Township?
A fence permit costs
How high can you build a fence in Bensalem Township, PA?
- Fences in front, rear or side yards shall not exceed six and one-half feet in height.
- Fences abutting a private driveway or located beyond the front building set-back line shall not exceed four feet in height.
What are the rules for building a fence in Bensalem Township, PA?
The following are the sections of the Code relevant to residential fences. Click here for the updated Code of Ordinances for the Township of Bensalem, PA.
Sec. 232-583. – Yard exception for private garages, accessory buildings and retaining walls.
(d) Fences.
(1) Fences may be erected in any front, side or rear yard. Unless specified elsewhere in this ordinance, fences shall not exceed six and one-half feet in height.
(2) Fences abutting a private driveway or located beyond the front building set-back line shall not exceed four feet in height.
(3) Fences may be erected on properties that have multiple front yards, however, along the street line on which the principal building fronts, the fence shall not exceed four feet in height, and along the remaining front yard streets lines that do not abut a private driveway, the fence shall not exceed six and one-half feet in height.
(4) In all cases, the height of the fence shall be measured from grade level.
(5) In all residential districts, fences may only be of the following materials and construction:
a. Stockade fence of wood, with a wood frame, provided that the framework must face the interior of the lot. Stockade fences shall not be permitted on any residential front yard;
b. Ranch rail fence of wood, provided that the distance between each horizontal piece of the fence shall not be less than 12 inches;
c. Open metal mesh or chain link fence, supported by posts or frames of either pipe or wood, provided that the posts and frame must face the interior of the lot. In any residential front yard, no slats or other materials may be placed within the mesh or chain links of the fence so as to obstruct vision through the fence;
d. Wire, barbed wire, electrified fences and/or any other fences of similar material or construction shall not be permitted in any residential district; or
e. Any other industry acceptable material sold, distributed or otherwise used for the construction of a fence.
f. Any fence constructed or erected within a residential district of such materials as permitted in accordance with Chapter 232, subsection 583(d)(5) shall not be painted or constructed of brightly colored or multicolored materials, but shall remain neutral color to prohibit any offensive appearance to adjacent property owners.
(6) In all other districts, fences may only be of the following materials and construction:
a. All materials and construction set forth in subsection (5) above;
b. Security fences not exceeding six and one-half feet in height may have an additional one foot of barbed wire installed above them only in industrial or institutional districts.
(7) Notwithstanding the foregoing, on any property on which an apartment building or an apartment complex is located:
a. The owner of a property shall erect, install and maintain a fence on each boundary of the property, except any boundary which fronts on a public right-of-way, if any. The fence shall be a minimum height of six feet, and in no event shall exceed a maximum height of eight and one-half feet, and shall be of such construction, design and materials to obscure vision through it and to prevent the passage of litter, trash or garbage through the fence.
b. Permitted fences shall be of the following types of construction:
- Stockade fence of wood, provided that the distance between each horizontal piece of the fence shall not exceed four inches;
2. Ranch rail fence of wood, provided that the distance between each horizontal piece of the fence shall not exceed four inches;
3. Metal mesh or chain link fence, provided that the area of each individual opening shall not exceed two square inches. Slats to obscure vision may be inserted within the wire mesh or chain links; or
4. PVC or other similarly industry accepted material for the construction of a fence.
c. For the purpose of this section, an apartment building is defined as any building designed and occupied exclusively as a residence for three or more families. An apartment complex is defined as one or more apartment buildings that are constructed and located upon one or more common and contiguous parcels of land and/or which share a common popular name.
(8) Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall be subject to the requirements of section 232-588 of this chapter.
(9) All fences and walls must comply with the requirements of section 232-584 of this chapter relating to obstructions which prohibit any structure, wall, fence, planting or other visual obstruction between the height of two feet and seven feet above the level of intersecting streets being constructed or erected within any clear sight triangle for a corner lot.
(10) No fence can be constructed for the purpose of cutting off the light or air of any adjoining property, nor constructed of unsightly materials for the purpose of annoyance or harassment.
(11) Fences shall be subject to all of the requirements of the Township Property Maintenance Code.
(e) Permits.
(1) No fence or wall can be constructed without first obtaining a permit from the Township Department of Building and Planning, along with all applicable permits as may be required by this Code and/or other applicable laws, except, however, 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.
