Subdivision and Pasture Fencing in West Bradford, West Chester, PA

West Bradford covers about 18.6 square miles northwest of the borough of West Chester, PA, with the West Branch of the Brandywine running through it. Its 2020 population of a little over 14,000 is roughly double what it was in 1980, and you can see that growth on the ground: newer subdivisions sit alongside fields, barns and woodland. The village of Marshallton, home to the Humphry Marshall House, and Trimble’s Ford, where British troops crossed on the way to the Battle of Brandywine, are reminders of how old this ground is. 76 FENCE West Chester builds for both halves of the township.

• Permit: We did not find a dedicated fence permit section in the zoning code; confirm with the township before building.
• Corner lots: Nothing over 2½ ft inside a sight triangle with 75-ft legs from the centerline intersection (§ 450-61C(2)).
• Grazing: All grazing or pasture areas must be fenced (§ 450-62I(2)).
• Pools: Must be entirely enclosed by a continuous non-climbable fence (§ 450-65C).

Do you need a permit for a fence in West Bradford?

We could not confirm a general fence permit requirement from the township’s zoning code, so treat it as an open question and ask the township before you build. When you hire us, we make that call and file anything required.

What the code does make clear is where fences cannot go and when they are mandatory. A fence on a corner lot has to respect a large sight triangle; pasture must be fenced; pools must be enclosed. If you live in an HOA neighborhood, your covenants may set the stricter standard, and we design to them.

How does the corner-lot sight triangle work in West Bradford?

On a corner lot, nothing taller than 2½ ft may stand inside a triangle whose two legs run 75 ft along each street, measured from where the street centerlines meet.

Because the legs start at the centerlines, part of the triangle is roadway, and the part on your lawn is smaller than 75 ft per side. Still, it removes a good piece of the front corner from any fence taller than a low border. We plot the triangle at the walkthrough and start the fence where it ends. A short split rail or a low post-and-chain can still define the corner without breaking the rule. See front-yard fence rules for how other townships compare.

What fence works for horses and livestock in West Bradford?

For horses, a three- or four-board fence or a post-and-rail fence lined with wire mesh is the usual choice. For sheep, goats or a dog that roams, woven or welded wire on wood posts holds better.

Gates sized for equipment

A pasture gate has to pass a tractor, a mower or a trailer, not just a person. Measure the widest machine you own and add room to swing it in. On farm lanes, a powered gate between stone pillars saves getting out of the truck in the rain; see automatic gates.

What fences suit West Bradford’s subdivision lots?

A 6-ft vinyl or wood privacy fence in the back yard and a low, open fence in front is the usual pattern, subject to HOA covenants. Many newer neighborhoods also back onto woods, where deer are a regular sight.

If you garden, a separate taller fence around the beds often works better than raising the whole perimeter. A welded-wire garden fence can be placed and sized for the job; see garden fences.

Next door, East Bradford requires no permit for fences up to 6 ft but restricts fencing near creeks, and nearby Downingtown is a small-lot borough with its own rules. Compare every municipality in the West Chester fence permit guide.

Rules change, so confirm with West Bradford Township before you build. When you hire us, we pull any permit the job needs.