Permit Required? Required (over 6 ft)
Typical Fee Range $100–$250 Fees include a Zoning Permit fee ($25+) plus Building Permit fees if height exceeds thresholds.
Fee Method Project-based
Apply Online Apply at Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections →

What's Required in Philadelphia

  • Building Permit required for non-masonry fences taller than 6 feet
  • Zoning Permit required for front yard fences between 4 and 6 feet
  • Any fence over 50% opaque in a front yard requires a Zoning Permit
  • Masonry fences over 2 feet tall always require a Building Permit
  • Historical Commission approval required for any fence on a landmarked property
  • Fences cannot be made of barbed wire or razor wire in residential zones

How to Get a Fence Permit in Philadelphia

1

Step 1: Determine Zoning

Check if your yard location and fence opacity trigger a Zoning Permit ($25 application).

2

Step 2: Historic Review

If your property is historic, get stamped plans from the Historical Commission first.

3

Step 3: eCLIPSE Application

Apply for the Building or Zoning permit through the Philadelphia eCLIPSE portal.

4

Step 4: Document Upload

Submit a site plan showing property lines and a structural design for fences over 6 feet.

5

Step 5: Final Inspection

Schedule a final inspection via eCLIPSE once the fence is installed to verify height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if it is over 6 feet tall or in the front yard. Even shorter fences may need a Zoning Permit if they are more than 50% opaque.
Zoning permits start at $25, while building permits for larger fences use the standard alteration base fee of $76.
Standard zoning permits take 10–15 business days; building permits may take longer if historical review is needed.