Permit Required? Sometimes Required
Typical Fee Range $50–$100 Zoning review fee for residential fences over 6 feet.
Fee Method Flat fee
Apply Online Apply at Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections →

What's Required in Pittsburgh

  • Permit only required for fences over 6 feet in height.
  • Front yard fences limited to 4 feet tall and must be 50% open.
  • Must not be placed within public easements or rights-of-way.
  • Must meet visibility rules for traffic and pedestrians at corners.
  • Finished side of the fence must face toward the neighbors or street.
  • Must be within property lines (survey recommended).

How Tall Can a Fence Be Without a Permit in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, the number that matters is 6 feet: a fence taller than that needs a permit from the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, while anything at or under it can usually go up without one. Front yards are stricter, capped at 4 feet. 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 Pittsburgh?

For a typical backyard fence at or under 6 feet, no — you can skip the building permit in Pittsburgh. Go taller and you'll file with the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, with permit fees typically in the $50–$100 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 Pittsburgh

1

Step 1: Check Height

Determine if your fence will exceed the 6ft threshold.

2

Step 2: Plot Plan

Mark your fence location on a property survey map.

3

Step 3: Submit Online

Apply for a zoning permit via OneStopPGH if required.

4

Step 4: Utility Notification

Contact 811 before digging post holes.

5

Step 5: Completion

Install according to approved plans and zoning rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, residential fences 6 feet or less are exempt from building permits.
Yes, but it requires a permit and must meet rear yard rules.
Residential zones usually cap front yard fences at 4 feet.
On record in Pittsburgh, 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.