PlainPermit

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Do I need a permit for a fence in Philadelphia, PA?

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

No building permit for non-masonry fences up to 6 ft. Masonry fence walls over 2 ft need a permit. Zoning permits may still apply (rear under 6 ft and front under 4 ft are exempt).

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see L&I. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/building-and-repair-permits/get-permits-without-plans-ez-permits/

Where to apply

Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (eCLIPSE online permits)

Permitting authority: City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Applies in the City and County of Philadelphia. Properties on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places may need Historical Commission review. Zoning permits are separate from building permits.

Official sources

“Non-masonry fences up to six feet high”

Source: https://www.phila.gov/media/20260602151416/StartRight-FINAL-6.2026.pdf

“Retaining walls or masonry fence walls up to two”

Source: https://www.phila.gov/media/20260602151416/StartRight-FINAL-6.2026.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in Philadelphia

Fence permits in other cities