Before you look at fence companies near Bridgeton Township 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 Bridgeton Township. Always check with the Township for the current requirements for fence permits.
How high can a fence be in Bridgteton Township?
In Bridgeton Township, the allowable height of a fence depends on its location, type, and purpose. The regulations for fence heights are as follows:
Residential Districts
- Front Yard: Fences located in a required front yard must be an open-type fence (such as split rail or picket) and have a maximum height of 5 feet.
- Side and Rear Yards: Fences located in areas other than the required front yard may not exceed 6 feet in height.
Deer Fencing
- Deer fencing is permitted by right in all zoning districts with a permit.
- Standard Height: Deer fencing shall be no higher than 8 feet.
- Topography Exception: In areas where topography dictates a higher barrier for effectiveness, deer fencing may extend to 10 feet for a linear distance not exceeding 10% of the entire fenced area,.
Exceptions and Specific Uses
- Sports Courts and Pools: A maximum height of 12 feet is permitted to enclose a tennis court, racquet sport court, non-household swimming pool, or electric substation, provided the fence is setback a minimum of 10 feet from all lot lines,.
- Public Safety: A higher fence may be permitted if an applicant proves to the Zoning Officer that it is necessary to protect public safety around a specific hazard.
- Junk Yards: Secure fencing with a minimum height of 8 feet must surround outdoor storage areas in junk yards.
- Telecommunications: An 8-foot high security fence must surround telecommunications towers and equipment buildings.
General Regulations
- Sight Triangles: Fences must not obstruct vision between a height of 2 and 8 feet at street intersections or driveway entrances to ensure traffic safety,.
- Permits: A zoning permit is required for any fence taller than 8 feet. A permit is also required for any fence located within a State or Federally certified Historic District or within 100 feet of the centerline of the Delaware Canal.
What are the setback requirements for fences in Bridgeton Township?
According to Bridgeton Township zoning regulations, fence setback requirements vary by property type and fence location.
General Requirements
- Accessory Structure Exemption: Unlike most accessory structures (e.g., sheds or garages), fences are not required to comply with minimum setbacks for accessory structures.
- Street Right-of-Way: No fence may be built within the existing right-of-way of a street.
- Paved Area Setbacks: Fences are prohibited within the paved area setback required for commercial, industrial, institutional, townhouse, or low-rise apartment uses.
Residential Districts
- Property Lines: A fence for a dwelling may be constructed directly on the lot line. However, the township recommends a setback of at least 1 foot to allow for future maintenance and to account for any uncertainty regarding the exact location of lot lines.
- Front Yard: Fences are permitted within the required front yard setbacks established for principal buildings, provided they meet specific design and height restrictions (e.g., open-style fences up to 5 feet high).
Non-Residential Uses
- Abutting Residential Lots: A fence for a non-residential use must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from any abutting lot line of an existing dwelling or undeveloped residentially zoned lot.
Specific Use Requirements
- Deer Fencing:
- Fencing may be installed within the street’s ultimate right-of-way but must not encroach into the legal right-of-way.
- Any gate for deer fencing must be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the legal right-of-way to ensure safe access.
- Sports Courts and Pools: Fences up to 12 feet high enclosing tennis courts, racquet sport courts, non-household swimming pools, or electric substations must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all lot lines.
- Sight Triangles: No fence (or wall/hedge) may be located where it would obstruct vision between a height of 2 and 8 feet within the clear sight triangle at street intersections or driveway entrances.
- Buffer Yards: If a fence is located in a required buffer yard, it must be placed on the inside of any required plant screening.
What fence materials are allowed in Bridgeton Township?
In Bridgeton Township, the allowed fence materials vary based on the specific type of fence and its location on the property.
Generally Permitted Materials
By definition, a fence in the township is a barrier constructed of the following materials:
- Wood
- Chain-link metal
- Vinyl
- Aluminum and/or plastic inserts
If a barrier is constructed principally of masonry, concrete, cinder block, or similar materials, it is legally classified as a “wall” rather than a fence.
Location-Specific Material Restrictions
Stricter material standards apply to fences located in the required front yard of a residential lot (less than 3 acres) or within 100 feet of the Delaware Canal centerline (if visible from the Canal). In these specific areas, fences:
- Must be constructed of: Entirely wood (plus necessary fasteners and wire mesh attached to the inside), wrought iron, or other materials that closely resemble wood or wrought iron.
- Must NOT be constructed of: Primarily chain link metal or plastic inserts.
Deer Fencing Materials
Fences specifically designated as “deer fencing” must be constructed of polypropylene lightweight mesh or wire woven, hexagonal design with openings no smaller than 1 inch. The posts must be of consistent material, style, and height throughout the fence.
Prohibited Materials
The following materials are explicitly prohibited for use in fence construction:
- Fabric, junk, junk vehicles, appliances, tanks, or barrels.
- Barbed wire: Prohibited for use as part of fences around dwellings.
- Razor material/Toppings: Prohibited on deer fencing.
- Electric Fences: Electrically charged fences are restricted to containing farm animals and must be of low intensity so as not to permanently injure humans.
Aesthetic Requirements
If a fence has one side that is smoother or more finished than the other, the smoother/finished side should face away from the enclosed area, unless the fence abuts a business use.
Do you need a permit to install or repair a fence in Bridgeton Township?
Based on the Bridgeton Township Zoning Ordinance and permit applications, here are the requirements regarding permits for installing or repairing a fence.
When is a Permit Required for Fence Installation?
You do not need a zoning permit for every type of fence. A zoning permit is specifically required in the following situations:
- Height: Any fence that is greater than 8 feet in height requires a permit.
- Location: Any fence located within 100 feet of the centerline of the Delaware Canal requires a permit.
- Historic Districts: Any fence located within a State or Federally certified Historic District requires a permit.
- Deer Fencing: The installation of deer fencing (which is permitted up to 8 feet, or 10 feet in specific topographical conditions) requires the receipt of a zoning permit.
- Walls: While fences have exemptions, a zoning permit is required for all walls,.
Is a Permit Required for Fence Repairs?
Generally, no. Ordinary repairs and maintenance to existing structures may be performed without a permit, provided that the work:
- Does not infringe upon a required setback.
- Does not involve a change in use.
- Does not involve the expansion, new construction, or placement of a structure.
Application Requirements
If your fence project requires a permit (e.g., it is a deer fence or over 8 feet tall), you must submit a Building Permit/Plan Examination/Zoning Permit Application,. This application requires:
- Site Plan/Sketch: You must provide a sketch showing the location of the proposed fence, lot lines, existing structures, and dimensions.
- Setbacks: The application requires you to indicate the proposed setback distances from lot lines; failure to provide these measurements may result in rejection of the application,.
- Impervious Surface: You may be required to calculate impervious coverage, though fences generally do not count toward this unless they involve substantial paved footings or walls,.
While no fees are due at the time of application, fees are collected at the time of permit issuance.
Who issues fence permits in Bridgeton Township?
Fence permits in Bridgeton Township are issued by the Zoning Officer.
As this township is small, the role is often contracted out to a third-party service or a part-time official. Currently, the township uses Keystone Municipal Services for these duties.
Contact Information for Permit Issuance
- Official Title: Zoning Officer (Jim Kopchak / Keystone Municipal Services)
- Phone: (610) 982-5413
- Email: zoning@bridgetontwp.org
- Office Address: 1370 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
- Hours: Typically Monday & Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (or by appointment)
The Zoning Officer for Bridgeton Township serves as the sole authority for all zoning and fence permits across the entire township, meaning you do not need to contact separate offices for the individual communities of Upper Black Eddy, Narrowsville, or Rupletown. Even though your mailing address may say “Upper Black Eddy,” the township’s unified zoning code governs all these hamlets, and the permit application you submit to the township building covers any property within these borders.
How do you apply for a fence permit in Bridgeton Township?
To apply for a fence permit in Bridgeton Township, you must submit a Building Permit/Plan Examination/Zoning Permit Application to the Township Zoning Officer.
The application process involves the following steps and requirements:
1. Complete the Application Form
You must fill out the “Building Permit/Plan Examination/Zoning Permit Application”. This form requires you to provide:
- Property and Owner Information: Name, address, and contact details for the property owner.
- Contractor Information: If you are hiring a professional, you must provide their license number and insurance information. If the application does not include this information, it will be rejected.
- Description of Work: A detailed description of the fence installation.
2. Prepare a Site Plan
You must submit a site plan or sketch (usually two legible copies) along with the application. This sketch is critical and must show:
- Lot Lines: The boundaries of your property.
- Structures: The location of existing buildings and the proposed fence.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of the lot and the fence.
- Setbacks: You must indicate the specific distance from the fence to your property lines. The application explicitly warns that failure to provide setback distances/measurements will result in the rejection of the application.
- Easements: Any crossing easements must be indicated.
3. Calculate Impervious Coverage
The application states that Impervious Coverage Calculations are required for all exterior work. You may need to list the square footage of the house footprint, driveway, walkways, sheds, and the proposed work to calculate the percentage of the lot covered by impervious surfaces.
4. Submit the Application
- Where: Applications are submitted to the Zoning Officer, Jim Kopchak.
- Office Hours: The Zoning Officer is available on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- Copies: The Zoning Ordinance generally requires at least 3 copies of a zoning permit application (one for the Township, one for the applicant, and one for the Zoning Officer’s request). The application form itself requests “TWO legible copies of all drawings/plans”.
5. Fees
- Timing: No fees are due at the time you submit the application.
- Payment: Fees are calculated based on the Township Fee Schedule and are collected at the time the permit is issued.
Important Note on Deer Fencing:
If you are applying for deer fencing, the Zoning Ordinance specifically mandates the receipt of a zoning permit to verify compliance with height (maximum 8 feet, or 10 feet in specific topography) and material standards (e.g., polypropylene mesh).
Sources:
- https://bridgetontwp.org/home/bridgeton-township-ordinances/
- https://bridgetontwp.org/zoning/
- https://bridgetontwp.org/applications-forms-documents/
- https://bridgetontwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Bridgeton-building-permit-application.pdf
- https://bridgetontwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fee-Schedule-.pdf
