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Fence Installation Permits in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Set by local rules
Check local building codes, estimate your municipal fees, and review inspection requirements for 2026.
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Statewide Guide
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Local Project Overview
Fence Installation · Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Set by local rules
In Lehigh County, whether a Fence Installation needs a permit is set locally, and the county does not publish a single fixed threshold.
Lehigh County does NOT issue fence permits; each municipality in the Lehigh Valley, the City of Allentown plus townships like South Whitehall, Hanover (Lehigh), Whitehall and Lehigh Township, permits fences under its own ordinance and the PA Uniform Construction Code. The threshold that triggers a permit varies by township: South Whitehall Township, for example, exempts fences under 4 feet from a permit but treats a pool-barrier fence as a building permit (compliant with IRC Appendix G) and requires a zoning permit for the rest; Hanover Township bars fences from the right-of-way, easements, or anywhere they would block stormwater flow, with UCC-exempt permits processed in about 7-10 days. Allentown and Bethlehem, the valley's two largest cities, require permits for most fence construction, with the standard 4-foot front / 6-foot side-and-rear pattern. Because the Lehigh Valley borders New Jersey, verify which municipality's rules apply near the state line. Barbed wire and electric fe The reliable answer comes from Allentown Permits-Licenses. Zoning setbacks apply either way.
Source: Lehigh County, PA (municipal) / PA Uniform Construction Code, IRC PA UCC · County-specific · Verified 2026 by StateDataIndex
Installing a new fence can improve privacy and property value. However, most counties require a permit if the fence exceeds 6 feet in height or is located in the front yard.
Code Compliance & Inspections
Because of severe winter weather in Pennsylvania, any exterior structures or footings must be set below the local frost line to prevent shifting, as mandated by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
Zoning & Cost Factors
Pennsylvania requires local zoning to be consistent with a municipal comprehensive plan, often resulting in multi-municipal cooperative zoning agreements. Fortunately, Pennsylvania maintains relatively builder-friendly regulations, keeping base permit fees competitive.
Permit fees in Lehigh County
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so there is no single fixed figure for Lehigh County. We only publish fees confirmed by real homeowners — none have been reported here yet.
Confirm the current fee directly with Allentown Permits-Licenses ((610) 437-7592). If you have paid for a permit here, you can add it here to help others.
Lehigh County Building Department
Office: Allentown Permits-Licenses
Address: 435 Hamilton St 4th floor, Allentown, PA 18101, USA
Phone: (610) 437-7592
Source: official Lehigh County government records. Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How to Apply in Lehigh County
In Lehigh County, you can begin your application online through the county's permit portal, or submit blueprints and a property survey in person. Including your contractor's Pennsylvania Attorney General (Home Improvement) license number helps avoid rejections.
Fence Installation Requirements in Lehigh County
Typical Submittal Package
When applying for a Fence Installation permit, you or your contractor will generally need to submit the following documentation for the city's review:
- Site Plan showing property lines and setbacks
- Fence elevation and material specifications
- HOA approval letter (if applicable)
Standard Ordinances & Processing Time
Key code points for a Fence Installation in Lehigh County: Standard US zoning caps residential backyard fences at 6 feet high and front yard fences at 4 feet for visibility, intersection safety, and utility access.
Typical processing time: a few days to several weeks, depending on current workload and the season. Contact Allentown Permits-Licenses for a current estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific penalties for unpermitted Fence Installation work in urban Lehigh County?
Building without authorization is considered a code violation. The local government can issue a Stop Work Order, forcing you to halt construction immediately. You may be subject to retroactive permit fees (often double the original cost), daily fines, or even a mandate to tear down the unpermitted work at your own expense.
Can a homeowner pull their own Fence Installation permit in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania generally allows property owners to act as their own general contractor under an Owner-Builder exemption. If you take this route, you assume full legal and financial liability and must ensure all work complies with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
How much does a Fence Installation permit cost in Lehigh County?
Permit fees vary by jurisdiction and by your project's valuation, so Lehigh County does not publish a single fixed figure. Confirm the exact fee with the local building department before applying.
How long does it take to get a Fence Installation permit in Lehigh County?
Processing time in Lehigh County varies by season and current application volume at the building department; contact Allentown Permits-Licenses for a current estimate.
Where do I apply for a Fence Installation permit in Lehigh County?
You can apply through the Allentown Permits-Licenses or online via the county permit portal. For questions, call (610) 437-7592.
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Other Permit Types in Lehigh County
Planning another home improvement project? Check the requirements and fees for:
Cities in Lehigh County with Verified Rules
Some cities set their own fence installation rules, separate from the county. Check your city specifically:
Nearby Jurisdictions in Pennsylvania
Building near the county line? Check requirements for neighboring areas: