Cedar Fencing Installation Permits: What Whitemarsh Township and Blue Bell, PA Homeowners Need to Know
Planning a home improvement project in Montgomery County, PA? Local permit rules should be checked first, and a new fence project is no exception. In this article, we cover what Whitemarsh Township and Whitpain Township (Blue Bell) homeowners need to know about permits, height limits, setback rules, and what happens if a permit is skipped.
When Is a Permit Required for Cedar Fencing Installation in Lafayette Hill, PA?
A building permit is required for fence installation in Whitemarsh Township. The township's Building and Codes Department states that a permit is required to erect a fence and that it ensures work abides by township building codes and zoning ordinance. If you live in Lafayette Hill, PA, which falls within Whitemarsh Township, you need to pull a permit before cedar fencing installation begins.
For homeowners in Blue Bell, which sits in Whitpain Township, a permit is generally not required unless you plan to install a fence taller than six feet. Whitpain Township may take up to 15 business days to process a residential permit application, so applying early matters if timing is critical.
What Height and Setback Rules Apply to Cedar Fence Installation?
In Whitemarsh Township, a five-foot fence may be erected in a front yard if set back at least 10 feet from the property line, curb, or edge of paving, whichever creates the greatest setback. A six-foot fence in the front yard requires a 15-foot setback from the same reference points. No fence over six feet may be erected within three feet of the rear lot line of a single-family attached lot.
Fences also cannot be placed within a clear sight triangle at intersecting streets, meaning the triangular area bounded by two intersecting street lines and a point 50 feet from the intersection along each street line must remain unobstructed.
In Whitpain Township, fences up to six feet tall in residential zones are generally permitted without dimensional restrictions, giving Blue Bell homeowners more flexibility for cedar fencing installation.
How Do You Apply for a Fence Permit in Whitemarsh Township?
1. Confirm your zoning district and applicable setbacks using the Whitemarsh Township zoning map before measuring your fence line.
2. Download or request the Building and Zoning Permit Application from the township and submit it in person or by mail with payment.
3. Include a site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, dimensions, setbacks, and the proposed fence location, on paper no smaller than 8.5" x 11".
4. Verify your contractor is registered with Whitemarsh Township, because only registered contractors may pull building permits there.
5. Contact the Building and Codes Department at 610-825-3535 with questions.
For Whitpain Township permits, contact the Code Enforcement Department at 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, at 610-277-2400.
What Happens if You Skip the Permit?
Without a permit, the township may require you to remove or relocate a non-compliant cedar fence at your expense. Unpermitted work can also complicate a home sale, since buyers' title searches and home inspectors can flag work done without one. In Whitemarsh Township, the Historical Architectural Review Board must also review exterior alterations visible from a public way within the historic district, which could apply to cedar fencing installation for some Lafayette Hill addresses near Germantown Pike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Fence Permits in Whitemarsh Township and Blue Bell
Do I Need a Permit for a Fence in Lafayette Hill, PA?
Yes. Lafayette Hill is within Whitemarsh Township, which requires a building permit to erect any fence.
Can My Neighbor and I Share a Cedar Fence on the Property Line?
Shared or boundary fences are allowed, but both property owners should agree in writing before cedar fencing installation begins. The permit still needs to be pulled, and the fence placement must comply with Whitemarsh Township setback requirements regardless of any private agreement between neighbors.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Fence Permit Approved in Whitemarsh Township?
Processing times vary, so it is best to contact the Building and Codes Department directly at 610-825-3535 for a current estimate. Submitting a complete application with a properly drawn site plan and a registered contractor on file will help avoid delays. If your project is time-sensitive, apply as early as possible.
Ready to Move Forward With Your Cedar Fence?
Mainstreet Fence serves Lafayette Hill, PA, and the surrounding Montgomery County area with professional fence installation services. Call
(215) 643-7490 or visit the
contact page to schedule a free estimate. You can also explore the
cedar fencing installation Lafayette Hill, PA
page or the
cedar fencing Blue Bell, PA page to learn more.
