Fence Installation in Exton, Near West Chester, PA

Exton is the part of our West Chester, PA service area where the ground deserves as much attention as the paperwork. The Chester Valley here is limestone and dolomite, the kind of rock in which sinkholes and underground voids develop, and in recent years sinkholes have been widely reported in West Whiteland near the Mariner East pipeline work. Most fences go in without trouble, but knowing what is underfoot changes how a careful crew sets posts. The second thing to sort out is which township you are actually in.

• Municipality: most Exton addresses are in West Whiteland or Uwchlan Township — check your tax bill
• West Whiteland: 6 ft max in required yards; above 6 ft must be at least 50% non-opaque; 12 ft absolute max (§ 325-29)
• Uwchlan: 36-in front-yard limit, $154.50 permit fee, HOA letter if applicable
• Ground: Chester Valley limestone; karst features, including sinkholes, occur
• Housing: townhome and HOA communities around the commercial core

Which township is my Exton address in?

Look at your property tax bill or deed, not your mailing address. “Exton” is a postal name shared by parts of several townships, and fence rules follow the township line.

If you are in Uwchlan, our Uwchlan page covers the permit packet in detail.

Is it safe to put fence posts in Exton’s limestone?

For an ordinary residential fence, yes, with some care. Shallow post holes rarely meet a void, but limestone ground can be uneven underneath, and water is what turns a small weakness into a hole.

Two habits matter most. First, if an auger drops suddenly, hits soft pockets, or meets an irregular rock surface, the crew stops and adjusts the post location rather than forcing it. Second, keep roof and driveway runoff away from fence lines; a downspout emptying beside a post concentrates water exactly where it can do harm.

If your neighborhood has had sinkhole activity, tell us at the walkthrough. Our sinkholes and fences guide explains the warning signs and why a lighter, open fence can be the better choice near a known depression.

What fences work in Exton townhome communities?

Usually whatever the HOA already specifies. Many Exton communities have a set style, color and height, so the first step is the association’s architectural guidelines, then the township permit.

Within those limits, vinyl is common on townhome rows because it matches neighbors and needs little care; tan and white are the usual colors. For small end-unit yards with a dog, a 5- or 6-foot privacy fence is typical where the HOA and township allow it. Our HOA approval service prepares the drawings and material specs associations ask for.

What about corner lots and pools in Exton?

Corner lots need low or open fencing near the intersection, and pools need a compliant barrier regardless of township.

In West Whiteland, sight distance near intersections is governed by § 325-36F, so a fence close to the corner may need to stay low or set back; we check the measurement before laying out posts. For pools, the state-adopted barrier code calls for at least 48 inches of height, openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere, and self-closing, self-latching gates. Black aluminum is the usual choice; see pool fences.

And for single homes and older lots?

Choose for the job the fence has to do. Black aluminum suits front yards and pools, cedar or pine privacy suits back patios, and black vinyl-coated chain link is a practical choice for a large dog run along a wooded edge.

Neighboring areas have their own patterns: Downingtown requires Council approval for front-yard fences, and West Goshen requires a permit for every fence. The fence permit guide compares them.

Rules change, so confirm with the township — when you hire us, we pull the permit.