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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.
With a growing population of around 378,792 residents, Lehigh County maintains a relatively streamlined permitting process compared to major urban hubs. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
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.
Concurrent Permits & HOAs
For Lehigh County residents, we highly recommend reviewing your neighborhood HOA covenants before paying any municipal fees. Often, homeowners associations maintain stricter rules regarding materials and dimensions for your Fence Installation than the county itself.
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.
Estimated municipal base fee: $43–$65
This is a planning estimate only — actual fees in Lehigh County depend on your project valuation. A typical breakdown looks roughly like:
- Application Fee: ~$15
- Plan Review Fee: ~$10
- Inspection Fee: ~$25
Always confirm exact fees with your local building department before applying.
Cost Comparison: Lehigh County vs State Average
State Average Base Fee
Lehigh County Estimated Base Fee
*Chart represents median application base fees and does not include project valuation percentages.
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, applications and fees are usually handled through an online permit portal. Your contractor should include their Pennsylvania Attorney General (Home Improvement) license number to 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.
Estimated processing time in Lehigh County: 2 to 4 weeks.
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?
As a planning estimate, base municipal fees for a Fence Installation permit in Lehigh County typically fall between $43 and $65. The final amount depends on your project valuation, so confirm the exact figure with the local building department.
How long does it take to get a Fence Installation permit in Lehigh County?
Based on the size of Lehigh County, the typical processing time is 2 to 4 weeks. Times vary with the season and the building department application volume.
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:
Nearby Jurisdictions in Pennsylvania
Building near the county line? Check requirements for neighboring areas: