Fence Construction

The Planning & Zoning Department, Engineering Department and the Building Department would like to inform property owners about fence construction. 

Standard 6 ft. high fences do not require a permit on residential properties. Fences proposed on commercial/business properties do require approval/permits from the Planning & Zoning Department. 

Any fence proposed over 6 ft. high, or if it is to be used as a pool barrier, requires a permit from the Building Department. 

Although residential properties do not require a permit if under 6 ft., the following should be followed: 

1. Call for mark-out of utilities prior to any fence installation. 
2. Fences can not be installed within any easement on the property. Easements can be for utilities, storm sewers, drainage swales, conservation areas, etc. Property owners must check their private surveys. The Township does not have surveys on file. 
3. Fences can not be installed in the road right-of-way along the frontage of a property. The right-of-way is the area along the roadway where sidewalk and utilities are installed. This area is typically 10 to 15 feet from the edge of the roadway. 
4. Fences cannot be installed in sight triangle easements at road intersections. Even if the sight triangle easement is not listed on a survey, fences cannot block sight visibility at road intersections. 
5. It is recommended that property owners have their property lines located by a licensed surveyor so fences are properly installed and not encroach on adjoining properties. 
6. It is recommended that fences be installed a few feet in from the property line so the fence owner can maintain the backside of the fence without having to enter your neighbor's property.