Fence Questions and Answers for West Chester, PA

It depends on the municipality. In the borough, fences go through a $50 zoning review. West Goshen wants a zoning permit for any fence at all, Westtown only once a fence passes 40 feet in total length or encloses a pool, and East Bradford only above 6 feet. Rules change, so confirm with the township; when you hire us, we pull the permit.

Usually 4 feet or lower, and often it must be open rather than solid. West Goshen allows 4 feet with at least as much open space as structure, and East Whiteland allows 4 feet at least 50 percent open. Uwchlan limits front yards to 36 inches, though ornamental fences up to 6 feet are allowed if at least 75 percent open.

Several nearby townships put the answer in code. Westtown, Thornbury, East Whiteland and Kennett Township require the finished or smoother side, or the side without visible structure, to face the neighbor or the street, with posts and rails on the owner's side. Where the local code is silent, facing the finished side out is still the common practice.

Pennsylvania has no statewide fence setback, so each municipality decides. East Bradford, Kennett Township and Chadds Ford allow fences on the line, while Thornbury requires at least 6 inches off the line unless your neighbor agrees in writing. Even where it is allowed, keeping the fence just inside your line can avoid ownership disputes later.

If the fence will run near a property line, a survey is the safest step. A PA-licensed land surveyor can locate and flag your corner pins so the fence lands where you intend. HomeGuide's national figures put property surveys at roughly $200 to $1,200; local quotes depend on your lot and the available records.

The contractor who is digging should place the PA One Call request, because only the party that gives notice is protected. Notice must go in at least three and no more than ten business days before excavation. When we install your fence, we place the request. Private lines such as invisible dog fence wire or irrigation are not marked.

There is no single number. Pennsylvania lets municipalities set frost depth, and figures from about 30 to 42 inches are used across the state, with around 30 inches commonly accepted near Philadelphia. Depth also depends on fence height, wind load and soil, so we follow your township's requirement and the conditions in your yard.

Rock is common on the schist uplands around West Chester. Crews can work through it with a rock bar, core drill or jackhammer, and in some cases a post is set shallower with more concrete where the local inspector accepts it. We note rocky areas at the estimate so the plan and schedule account for them.

Pool barrier rules follow the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The 2018 edition calls for a barrier at least 48 inches high, openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere, a bottom gap of 2 inches or less over soil or grass, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. Some townships add stricter rules.

WeConservePA's deer management guidance says deer exclusion fencing should be 8 to 12 feet high. Most nearby townships cap residential side and rear fences at 6 feet, so an 8-foot deer fence may need a permit or a variance. Check with your township before planning a tall fence around a garden or orchard.

Often, yes, depending on conditions. Snow cover, deep frost or heavy rain can push dates, so winter schedules carry more weather risk. Winter is also a practical time to finish permits and HOA approvals so a spring install can start sooner. Most residential installs take a day or two on site once materials arrive.

It depends on the material. 76 FENCE cites typical lifespans of roughly 15 to 20 years for wood, 15 to 20 or more for chain link, 20 to 30 or more for metal and about 20 for composite. A yearly wash, fresh wood treatment every two to three years and metal touch-ups every three to five years keep a fence near the long end of its range.

Usually not for a typical suburban yard. Pennsylvania's old partition fence law requires adjoining owners to share line fences, but it grew out of agriculture and its reach on residential lots is limited. Neighbors often split costs by agreement. For a real dispute, talk to a Pennsylvania attorney before relying on the statute.