Short answer
Mostly no, unless it is decorative. Montgomery Township's zoning code (§ 230-148) does not allow boundary fences in front yards unless the front yard abuts a major street, where they can be up to 4 ft. Decorative fences such as picket, stone or iron up to 3 ft are allowed anywhere on the lot. Privacy fences stay behind the house. A permit is required, and HOA rules in many Montgomeryville subdivisions add another layer.
Three kinds of fence, three sets of rules
Montgomery Township's code sorts fences by what they do. Most nearby townships simply set a height for each yard.
| Fence type | Front yard | Side and rear yards |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative (picket, stone, iron) | Up to 3 ft, anywhere on the lot | Up to 3 ft |
| Boundary fence along a lot line | Not allowed, unless the front yard abuts a major street (then up to 4 ft) | Up to 6 ft, within 5 ft of the line |
| Privacy fence | Never in the front yard | Up to 6 ft, rear yard only, inside the building envelope |
Montgomery Township Zoning § 230-148.
In practice, a short picket run along the front walk or a low iron accent by the driveway is fine. A fence that encloses the front lawn along the lot lines usually is not, unless your house faces a major street.
What counts as a "major street"?
The code allows the 4-ft front boundary fence only where the front yard abuts a major street, but we did not find the list of which roads qualify. The township is crossed by US 202, Route 309 (Bethlehem Pike) and Route 463. If your house faces a busy road, ask the Planning & Zoning Office (215-393-6920) whether yours qualifies before you design around it.
Corner lots
A corner lot has a side yard along the second street. There, a boundary fence can be 4 ft, or up to 6 ft and opaque if it sits at least 15 ft back from the ultimate right-of-way or adjoins another residential lot. Nothing over 4 ft may go in a front yard. The township also keeps a 75-ft clear sight triangle at intersections, measured along the centerline, and fences inside it can be no higher than 3 ft above curb level.
Where the fence sits on the line
- Boundary fences go within 5 ft of the property line, as close as possible without being on it. The township's submittal guide says at least 2 in inside the line.
- Posts face in. The more attractive side faces out, with no unusual colors or offensive designs on it.
- Fences in utility, stormwater or access easements are discouraged. If one is allowed, it needs a signed fence easement agreement with the township and must be easy to remove.
- No fences in floodplains or wetlands, or anywhere they would block stormwater flow.
HOA approval comes first in many subdivisions
Montgomery Township grew from 3,936 residents in 1970 to 25,862 in 2020, and most of that growth was planned subdivisions. Many have homeowners association rules on fence style, color and height that are stricter than the township's. The township's permit guidance says HOA approval rules apply, so get the association's sign-off in writing before you file.
The permit
A permit is required for new and replacement fences. You apply through the Planning & Zoning Office with a site plan showing the fence and its distances from the property lines. We did not find a published fee; an extra fee applies when an easement agreement is needed.
We lay out Montgomeryville fences against both the township code and your HOA's rules before we price them. Bring your HOA guidelines to the estimate.
Common questions
Can I put a 4-ft aluminum fence around my front yard for my dog?
Only if your front yard abuts a major street. Otherwise a front boundary fence isn't allowed, and a 3-ft decorative fence won't hold most dogs. A rear-yard fence is the usual answer.
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Montgomery Township?
At least 4 ft, enclosing the pool on all sides with a fence, wall, gate or building (§ 230-153). Pool permits also need a site plan and a $1,200 curb escrow.
Can I fence a backyard chicken run?
The township allows chicken runs with permit approval, fenced at least 4 ft high.