How To Get A Fence Permit in Newtown Township, PA

Dennis Smith

Updated: March 24, 2024

Before you check out local fence companies near Newtown, PA you should check out the process for getting a fence permit and the zoning rules regarding fences for Newtown Township.

We try to keep this information up to date, but we do not represent Newtown Township. Always check with the Township for the current requirements for fence permits.

Newtown Township Administration Building in Bucks County, PA
This is the Newtown Township Administration Building – where you will get your fence permit.

Do you need a permit to build a fence in Newtown Township, PA?

Yes, you need a fence permit to build or replace (see exception below) a fence in Newtown Township. You must file a Permit Application for a Residential Accessory Structure.

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Do you need a permit to repair a fence in Newtown Township?

No, if it is considered a “same in kind” repair or replacement which means it’s the same type of fence, same height of the existing fence, same type of materials, same location, etc.

Where do you get a fence permit in Newtown Township?

You obtain a permit for a Residential Accessory Structure from the Codes Enforcement department by filing a Permit Application for a Residential Accessory Structure.

You can find the Codes Enforcement department in the Newtown Township Administration Building at 100 Municipal Drive, Newtown, PA 18904 or call 215-968-2800.

How much does a fence permit cost in Newtown Township?

The fee for a Residential Accessory Structure permit is $80. The fee is $155 for a commercial fence.

How high can you build a fence in Newtown Township, PA?

  • The maximum height shall be four feet in the front yard and seven feet elsewhere, except that for “post and rail” or “post and board” fences, a maximum fence height in the front yard of five feet shall be permitted, provided that the fence has a minimum of 50% open area.

What are the rules for building a fence in Newtown Township, PA?

The following are the sections of the Code relevant to residential fences. Click here for the updated Newtown Area Zoning Code.

H-3 Residential Accessory Structure. Such use shall include a residential accessory structure or use, including but not limited to:

1Structures such as fences and freestanding walls, which shall meet the following requirements:

[Amended effective 11/18/2013 by JMZO Ord. 2013-05, adopted 11/13/2013.]

a. The maximum height shall be four feet in the front yard and seven feet elsewhere, except that for “post and rail” or “post and board” fences, a maximum fence height in the front yard of five feet shall be permitted, provided that the fence has a minimum of 50% open area.

b. Any fence over six feet in height shall have effective apertures representing no less than 25% of the surface area if the surface area is in one plane, and no less than 40% of the surface area if surfaces are staggered.

c. Any fence in the side yard which is over six feet high must be landscaped on the side toward the street unless it is parallel to or on the side lot line.

d. On a reverse frontage lot, any backyard fence over six feet in height shall be landscaped on the side toward the street.

e. If a lot fronts on two or more streets, the height limitations defined in Subsection 803.H-3.1.a above shall apply along all of the streets.

f. There shall be no fences located in drainage easements or drainage swales which are part of an approved stormwater management plan.

g. Fences and walls shall be kept in good repair.

h. Where a fence is installed on a man-made berm, the height of the berm shall be included when calculating maximum fence height.

i. Materials and Construction.

(1) For fences that require posts or framework for support, the posts or framework must face the interior of the lot.

(2) Fences with only one finished side shall be installed such that the finished side faces the exterior of the property.

(3) Where cooperating property owners with a common property line are both installing fences of the same height and of the same length, the finished side may face the interior of the property and/or the posts or framework may face the exterior of the property.

Main Fence
Bucks County Fence