What Are the Fence Rules in Hempfield Township, PA?
The fence rules in Hempfield Township start with a permit. The township zoning ordinance says it is unlawful to construct or alter any fence, screening wall or retaining wall without first securing a Zoning Permit. Fences are limited to four feet in a required front yard and six feet in a required side or rear yard, measured from average grade level (Section 87-17C).
Hempfield also regulates two things many neighboring municipalities leave alone. A fence finished on only one side must be built so the finished side faces outward, away from your lot, and every fence must sit at least five feet from the paved portion or berm of the road. The township's 2026 Fee Schedule lists the fence permit at $35. This post covers the permit, heights, setbacks, materials, pools and the details that trip people up.
Do You Need a Permit for a Fence in Hempfield Township?
Yes. A Zoning Permit is the township's approval that a proposed fence meets the zoning ordinance, and Hempfield requires one for every new or altered fence. The township FAQ answers the question in one word: "Yes."
Here is what the application involves:
Fee: $35 per permit under the 2026 Fee Schedule.
Plans: the ordinance requires plans and specifications, in duplicate, showing the work to be done.
Signature: the owner or the contractor signs the application.
Survey: the township FAQ says a survey is preferred, but in many cases a plot drawing may be accepted.
The fee schedule states that once a zoning permit is issued, no refund will be given, so settle the layout before you apply. The township's Building Permits page lists 15 business days to process residential permits that are exempt from building code review, and it names fences as an example. Build that into your schedule. Our post on the fence installation timeline in Westmoreland County shows how permit time fits with the rest of the job.
How Tall Can a Fence Be in Hempfield Township?
Four feet in front, six feet on the sides and rear.
The ordinance says that within any required front yard, fences and screening walls must not exceed four feet in height as measured from average grade level. Within any required rear or side yard, the limit is six feet.
"Average grade level" matters on a slope. A six-foot panel stepped down a hill can stand taller than six feet at the low end of each section. Ask the zoning officer how height will be measured on your lot if the ground falls away. Our post on installing a fence on a sloped yard explains stepped and racked layouts.
The ordinance carves out lots used for agriculture or for keeping horses or ponies, which follow different limits.
Where Can the Fence Go on Your Lot?
Hempfield is specific about location.
Along side and rear lot lines: the ordinance says fences and screening walls "shall be permitted to have no setback." The township FAQ confirms that a fence can be placed directly on the property line if desired.
Along the road: fences and screening walls must be set back a minimum of five feet from the paved portion or berm of any private right-of-way or public cartway. That setback is subject to the rights of the township or a municipal authority within the right-of-way.
At corners and driveways: a fence must not interfere with the clear sight triangle at any intersection of streets, driveways or access drives. On a corner lot, no fence, wall, hedge or other planting may interfere with the clear sight triangle at the intersection. The ordinance defines that triangle by reference to PennDOT's sight distance rules.
Near streets and utilities: if a fence interferes with the location, relocation, maintenance or repair of a public street, cartway or public utility line, the owner has to remove or relocate it at the owner's sole expense.
Because a fence is allowed right on the line, knowing where the line is becomes your responsibility. See how to plan around property lines before a fence install.
Which Side of the Fence Has to Face Out in Hempfield?
The finished side. Section 87-17C(2) says that if a fence or wall is finished only on one side, it shall be erected so that the finished side faces outward, away from the lot where it is erected.
The finished side is the face that shows the boards or panels with the rails and posts hidden behind them. On a standard wood privacy fence, that means your neighbors and the street see the smooth face and you see the framing.
The ordinance also accepts fences finished on both sides in the same manner. Shadowbox, many vinyl panel systems, ornamental aluminum and chain link all qualify. If you want the same look from your patio that the neighbors get, a shadowbox fence is one way to get it.
What Fence Materials Does Hempfield Allow?
The ordinance lists the permitted types:
Wooden fences, including picket, board, board on board, post and board, board and batten, stockade, split rail and round rail
Ornamental metal
Chain link
Polyvinyl
Automated vehicular gates and horizontal slide gates
Barbed wire is restricted. The ordinance says no barbed wire fencing shall be allowed in any residential district except when used for security purposes for public infrastructure and uses.
Screening walls may be brick, stone, landscape block or stucco. Walls topped with or containing metal spikes, broken glass or similar material are prohibited.
Most residential fences sold today fit the list. You can compare common choices on our vinyl fences page.
What Are the Pool Fence Rules in Hempfield Township?
A pool at a single-family home must be walled or fenced to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties. The ordinance requires the fence or wall to meet the requirements of ASTM standard F-1908-06, as amended.
Above-ground pools need approval too. The township FAQ says a zoning permit and an electrical permit are required. The 2026 Fee Schedule lists swimming pool permits at $175 for above-ground pools and $250 plus the current state code fee for in-ground pools.
Pool barriers are also covered by the state building code. Confirm the full barrier and gate requirements with the township when you apply for the pool permit.
Who Do You Call About a Fence in Hempfield Township?
The Planning and Zoning office and the Code Enforcement staff handle fence permits. The township building is at 1132 Woodward Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601, and the main number is 724-834-7232.
Bring or send:
Your address and parcel information
Two copies of a drawing or survey showing the fence line, with distances to the road and lot lines
The height, material and style
The $35 fee
Ask how long you have to start work once the permit is issued, and get the answer in writing.
If you are still choosing an installer, our guide to finding a reliable fence company in Westmoreland County lists what to check.
FAQ
How much is a fence permit in Hempfield Township?
$35 per permit under the township's 2026 Fee Schedule.
Can I put a fence on the property line in Hempfield?
Yes. The ordinance permits fences along side and rear lot lines with no setback, and the township FAQ confirms a fence can be placed directly on the property line.
How far does a fence have to be from the road in Hempfield?
At least five feet from the paved portion or berm of the road.
Do I need a survey for a Hempfield fence permit?
The township says a survey is preferred, but in many cases a plot drawing may be accepted.
Does the good side of the fence have to face my neighbor?
Yes, if the fence is finished on only one side. The finished side must face outward from your lot. Fences finished the same on both sides are also allowed.
Is this the same as East Hempfield or West Hempfield?
No. Those are separate townships in Lancaster County with their own ordinances. This post covers Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County, whose municipal building is on Woodward Drive in Greensburg.
Fence Installation for Hempfield Township Homes
Just Fences is a locally owned fence company in Harrison City, established in 2007, that installs vinyl, aluminum, wood, chain link and custom fences across Westmoreland County. Free quotes are available, and installations carry a 2-year workmanship warranty. Read more about service in the area on the Greensburg fencing page.
Visit Just Fences or call (724) 392-4416 today. Contact us for more information.
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