Before you look at fence companies in Bedminster, PA, you should learn about the process for getting a fence permit and the zoning rules regarding fences in Bedminster Township.
We try to keep this information up to date, but we do not represent Bedminster Township. Always check with the Township for the current requirements for fence permits.
How high can a fence be in Bedminster Township?
In Bedminster Township, the allowable height for a fence depends on the zoning district, the specific type of fence (e.g., deer fencing), and the intended use of the property.
General Residential Standards
- Standard Fences: Generally, fences, hedges, or walls that are six (6) feet or less in height are permitted within required yards (front, side, or rear) and are exempt from standard yard setback requirements.
- Deer Fencing: An open wire fence designed specifically to prevent deer entry must be at least eight (8) feet tall but cannot exceed ten (10) feet in height above grade.
- In the AP (Agricultural Preservation) Zoning District, deer fences up to ten (10) feet high are specifically exempt from yard setback requirements.
- Deer fences must not be constructed within a street right-of-way or create a solid visual barrier (e.g., they must use woven or smooth metal wire above six feet),.
- VN-3 (Pottersville Village Neighborhood): In this specific district, fences and walls are explicitly restricted to a maximum height of six (6) feet, with the exception of tennis court fences, which may be up to fifteen (15) feet.
Commercial and Industrial Use Requirements
Certain non-residential uses have specific fencing height mandates for screening and security:
- Mini-warehouses: Storage facility complexes must be surrounded by a fence at least eight (8) feet in height.
- Junk Yards: Must be entirely enclosed by a solid fence or wall at least eight (8) feet high but no more than ten (10) feet high,.
- Extractive Operations: A chain link (or equal) fence at least ten (10) feet high is required to surround the operation.
- Solar Energy Facilities: Commercial ground-mounted systems must be enclosed by a fence with a minimum height of eight (8) feet.
- Wind Energy Systems: All WECS and associated buildings must be enclosed by a fence at least eight (8) feet in height.
- Wireless Telecommunications: Tower-based facilities generally require an eight (8) foot high security fence,.
HOA Restrictions
If you live in a planned community, Homeowners Association (HOA) rules may be more restrictive than Township ordinances. For example, in PennLand Farm, white PVC fences are limited to six (6) feet, while black aluminum fences are limited to five (5) feet. You should verify any deed restrictions or HOA rules applicable to your specific property.
What are the setback requirements for fences in Bedminster Township?
Setback requirements for fences vary by fence type, zoning district, and the property’s specific use.
General Residential Standards
- Yard Exemptions: Generally, fences that are six (6) feet or less in height are exempt from standard yard requirements. This means they are not required to meet the specific front, side, or rear yard setback distances applicable to buildings and can typically be placed up to the property line,.
- Right-of-Way: In no case shall a fence be constructed within the right-of-way of any street,.
- Traffic Visibility: On corner lots, no fence shall be maintained between a plane of two feet and seven feet above curb level within a “clear-sight triangle.” This triangle is generally defined by the street lines and a line drawn between points 25 feet from the intersection. If one or both streets are collector or arterial highways, this distance increases to 50 feet,.
- Facing: All fences must be constructed so that the front or “good side” faces outward from the lot.
Deer Fencing
- AP District: In the Agricultural Preservation (AP) Zoning District, deer fences that are no more than ten (10) feet in height are exempt from yard setback requirements.
- Right-of-Way: Deer fences must not be constructed within a street right-of-way.
Specific Commercial and Industrial Uses
Certain non-residential uses have strict setback requirements for fencing, often used for screening or security:
- Junk Yards: Fences enclosing a junk yard must be situated no closer than 50 feet to any street or property line.
- Commercial Solar Energy Facilities (Ground-Mounted): Required fencing for these facilities must meet the setback requirements of the use, which are 100 feet to a street line and 50 feet to a property line,.
- Extractive Operations: A fence must surround the operation and is placed at the edge of the planting screen; the operation itself generally has a 200-foot setback requirement from property lines and rights-of-way,.
- Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS): Fencing must be located at least five (5) feet from the base of the WECS unit.
Buffer Yards
Generally, structures are not permitted in buffer yards. However, fences that meet the specific requirements for buffers under the Zoning Ordinance are permitted within these zones.
HOA Community Restrictions (PennLand Farm)
If you reside in the PennLand Farm community, Homeowners Association rules impose additional placement restrictions:
- Fences must be installed no further forward than the front-facing wall of the dwelling.
- No part of a fence may be located on common ground or Association Open Space.
What fence materials are allowed in Bedminster Township?
Based on the Bedminster Township Zoning Ordinance and community documents, allowable fence materials vary depending on the type of fence, the specific land use, and whether the property is part of a homeowners association.
General Residential Fencing
For standard residential fences, the Township Zoning Ordinance does not explicitly restrict materials (such as wood, vinyl, or metal) for general perimeter fencing, provided the fence meets height and maintenance standards. However, specific construction standards apply:
- Facing: All fences must be constructed so that the front or “good side” of the structure faces outward from the lot.
Deer Fencing
Specific material restrictions apply to deer fencing, particularly for the portion of the fence exceeding six feet in height:
- Allowed Materials: The portion of the fence above six feet must be constructed of metal woven-wire fencing (such as box wire) or straight, smooth metal wire.
- Prohibited Materials: Barbed wire is generally prohibited for deer fencing. If the fence is electrified, it must use smooth wire only; box wire fences may not be electrified.
- Visibility: The fence must not be constructed in a way that creates a solid wall or visual barrier above six feet.
Specific Commercial and Industrial Uses
Certain non-residential uses have mandated fence materials to ensure safety or visual screening:
- Junk Yards: Must be enclosed by a solid fence or wall constructed of plank boards, brick, cinder block, or concrete.
- Extractive Operations: Must be enclosed by a chain link (or equal) fence with an extra slanted section on top strung with barbed wire.
- Home Occupation Buffers: Parking areas for home occupations may be screened using a six-foot cedar or spruce fence.
- Outdoor Motion Picture Establishments: Buffers may require a solid wooden fence.
HOA Community Restrictions (PennLand Farm)
If you reside in the PennLand Farm community, the Homeowners Association rules differ significantly from the general Township ordinance. Allowed materials are strictly limited to:
- White PVC (or similar composite material).
- Black Aluminum.
- Prohibitions: Plastic, rubber, or small wooden/vinyl fencing is explicitly prohibited for use as landscape edging, and implies a restriction on non-conforming fence materials.
Do you need a permit to install or repair a fence in Bedminster Township?
Yes, you need a zoning permit to install a fence in Bedminster Township,.
Permit Requirements
- Installation: The Township explicitly lists fences as projects requiring a zoning permit,.
- Repair/Alteration: According to the Zoning Ordinance, a zoning permit is required to “erect, construct, re-construct, alter, raze, [or] remove” any structure. Therefore, significant repairs or reconstruction of an existing fence typically require a permit.
- Fees: The fee for a residential fence or wall permit is listed as $50.00,.
Additional Approvals
- Homeowners Associations: If you live in a planned community like PennLand Farm, you must submit an application and plans to the Board of Directors for review and approval prior to erecting a fence. The community rules explicitly state that this approval is in addition to obtaining the required building permits from Bedminster Township,.
- Easements/Right-of-Way: Fences must not be constructed within the right-of-way of any street,.
You should contact the Township’s Land Use Office to confirm if your specific repair project requires a permit, as minor maintenance might be treated differently than structural reconstruction.
Who issues fence permits in Bedminster Township?
In Bedminster Township fence permits are issued by the Building & Zoning Department (sometimes referred to as the Land Use Office).
Because Bedminster is a “zoned community,” most exterior improvements—including fences—require a Zoning Permit to ensure they comply with local ordinances regarding height, materials, and property setbacks.
Contact Information
If you are planning to install a fence, you should contact the Zoning Officer to confirm specific requirements for your property:
Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Office Location: 432 Elephant Road, Perkasie, PA 18944
Phone: 215-249-3320 (Extension 4 for the Zoning Officer)
Zoning Officer: Rich Schilling
How do you apply for a fence permit in Bedminster Township?
To apply for a fence permit in Bedminster Township, you must submit a zoning permit application to the Zoning Officer.
1. Obtain the Application
You can find permit applications on the Bedminster Township website under the Public Services tab or the Building & Zoning Applications section,,. You may also contact the Land Use Office directly at 215-249-3320 regarding permit requirements,.
2. Prepare Required Documentation
According to the Zoning Ordinance, your application must generally include:
- Written Statement: Identification of the proposed use (e.g., fence installation).
- Site Plan: A plan drawn to scale showing the location, dimensions, and height of the proposed fence in relation to property lines and street lines.
3. Submit the Application and Fee
- Submission: Applications are filed with the Zoning Officer at the Land Use Office,,.
- Fee: The fee for a residential fence or wall permit is $50.00,,.
4. Review and Issuance
- Timeline: The Zoning Officer reviews applications. Once approved, the permit is valid for a specific period; work generally must commence within 90 days and be completed within two years of issuance.
- Placard: Upon approval, you may receive a placard to display on the premises during construction.
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.
Special Considerations
- Homeowners Associations: If you live in a community like PennLand Farm, you must submit plans to the Board of Directors for review and approval prior to erecting a fence. This Association approval is in addition to the Township zoning permit.
- Easements: Fences generally cannot be constructed within street rights-of-way or easements.
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