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 Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, the number that matters is 6 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. One local wrinkle: that line applies to non-masonry fences — masonry fences over 2 feet always need a building permit, and front-yard fences between 4 and 6 feet need a zoning permit. Even a permit-free fence still has to respect setbacks and corner sight-line rules, so check placement before you dig post holes.

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Philadelphia?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 6 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Philadelphia. Go taller and you'll file with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, with permit fees typically in the $100–$250 range. Two cautions before you skip the paperwork: zoning rules (height caps, setbacks, corner visibility) apply to every fence, permitted or not, and HOA or deed rules stack on top of city code. When your plan sits close to the line, a quick call to the department beats rebuilding a fence later.

How to Get a Fence Permit in Philadelphia

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Step 1: Determine Zoning

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

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Step 2: Historic Review

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

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Step 3: eCLIPSE Application

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

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Step 4: Document Upload

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

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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.
On record in Philadelphia, fences over 6 feet need a permit; at or under 6 feet you generally don't need one, though zoning height caps and setbacks still apply.