Before you check out fence companies in Southampton, PA, you should research the process for getting a fence permit and the zoning rules regarding fences in Lower Southampton Township.
Please note this article only concerns fence permits in Lower Southampton Township. If you live in Upper Southampton Township please check out our article on fence permits in Upper Southampton Township.
We try to keep this information up to date, but we do not represent Upper Southampton Township. Always check with the Township for the current requirements for fence permits.
Do you need a permit to build a fence in Lower Southampton Township, PA?
Yes, you need to obtain a zoning permit from the Department of Zoning before starting the construction of any new fence in Lower Southampton Township. You do not a separate building permit for a fence.
Do you need a permit to repair a fence in the Lower Southampton Township?
Unclear from the Code so you should contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections to discuss your particular situation.
Where do you get a fence permit in Lower Southampton Township?
You file an Application for a Zoning Permit with the Department of Zoning prior to any construction taking place.
You can find the Department of Zoning at 1500 Desire Avenue, Feasterville, PA 19053 or call 215-357-7300 for more information.
How much does a fence permit cost in Lower Southampton Township?
A zoning permit for a fence has a base cost of $25 for the first 100 liner feet, and an additional cost of .$.25 for each additional linear foot.
NOTE: “Permit fees may be doubled for failure to pull permits.”
How high can you build a fence in Lower Southampton Township, PA?
- Fences are limited to six feet in heigh. No fence can be installed in a front yard unless a minimum of 15 feet away from the street.
What are the rules for building a fence in Lower Southampton Township, PA?
The following are the sections of the Code relevant to fences. Click here for the updated Code of Lower Southampton Township.
§ 27-1716 Side yard requirements.
[Ord. 558, 9/4/2012]
1. Where a minimum width of side yard is specified, no building or structure shall be erected within the specified distance from either side lot line, except as permitted by this chapter. This shall not include required utility facilities.
2. Projections into side yards. Bays, balconies, chimneys, flues, fire escapes may project into a required side yard not more than 1/3 of its width and not more than four feet in any case. Ground-story bays and porches not over half the length of the side wall may project into any side yard 3 1/2 feet.
3. Fences and terraces in side yards. Side yard requirements shall not apply to fences, hedges or walls less than six feet high above the natural grade nor to terraces, steps, uncovered porches or other similar features not over three feet high above the floor of the ground story.
4. Driveways in side yard. Driveways shall be permitted in residential side yards, provided that no driveway may be located within three feet of any side property line.
§ 27-1719 Fences.
[Ord. 558, 9/4/2012]
1. No fence shall be erected in Lower Southampton Township without the issuance of a permit from the Lower Southampton Department of Licenses and Inspections and the payment of any applicable fee as set forth in the Township’s Fee Schedule.
2. Prior to the issuance of a permit, a plan depicting the proposed fence, as well as the height, location on the property and materials of the proposed fence, shall be submitted with the applicable permit application to the Lower Southampton Department of Licenses and Inspections. The applicant shall provide adequate proof of the existence of any property lines depicted on the proposed fence plan.
3. No fence shall be erected in a front yard unless such fence is located a minimum of 15 feet from the edge of the adjacent cartway, and in no event shall any fence be erected in an existing road right-of-way.
4. No fence exceeding a height of six feet shall be erected unless otherwise permitted under this chapter.
5. No fence may be erected or maintained in any Township-controlled easement area.
6. No spite fence or spite walls shall be erected. A spite fence or spite wall is any fence or wall that has been erected for the purpose of cutting off the light or air of an adjoining property or erected of unsightly materials for the purpose of annoyance or harassment of an adjoining property, or which has been erected to a height above that necessary for proper and ordinary security or enclosure.
7. Fences and terraces in front yards. Only fencing which does not obstruct view may be located in front yards, and no fence over four feet high, nor hedges over three feet high, shall be permitted in a front yard, unless in the case of corner lots, where the lot owner shall be permitted to designate one front yard to comply with this section.
