Bristol Fence Company

• Typical new-fence budget: Most Bristol-area homeowners pay about $1,800 to $4,500 total for a 100- to 150-foot backyard fence, which works out to roughly $17 – $35 per linear foot once material and labor are averaged.
  
  

• Price by material (installed):
  
  

  • Chain-link: $8 – $20 / ft—the most economical option and common behind smaller Levittown lots.
    
    

  • Pressure-treated wood: $18 – $32 / ft—adds privacy but needs staining or sealing.
    
    

  • Vinyl/PVC: $25 – $45 / ft—low-maintenance panels often chosen for river-view yards along Radcliffe Street.
    
    

  • Aluminum or steel pool and security fencing: $28 – $50 + / ft depending on style and coating.
    
    

• Typical repair costs:
  
  

  • Most small fixes land between $200 and $950, with a national midpoint near $600.
    
    

  • Common tasks:
    
    

    • Replace a broken picket or slat: $20 – $50 each.
      
      

    • Reset or swap a rotted post: $150 – $250 per post, including concrete.
      
      

    • Gate hinge or latch tune-up: $125 – $200.
      
      

    • Haul-away and dispose of an old fence: $3 – $7 / ft.
      
      

• Local permit fees & rules:
  
  

  • Bristol Borough typically charges around $50 for a minor residential fence permit, with higher, value-based fees for large projects. 

  • Bristol Township caps most home-zone fences at 6 ft in rear and side yards and 4 ft in front yards; taller “screen” fences need special approval.
    
    

• Cost drivers to watch:
  
  

  • Material & height: Jumping from 4-ft chain-link to 6-ft vinyl privacy can double or triple the bill.
    
    

  • Linear footage & yard layout: Extra corners, steep slopes or rocky soils push labor and concrete costs higher.
    
    

  • Gates: A walk gate adds $200 – $400; double-drive gates often start near $800.
    
    

  • Underground utilities: Dense utility corridors near U.S. 13 and the rail line can delay PA One-Call markings and add labor for careful digging.
    
    

• Money-saving tips:
  
  

  • Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured local contractors so you can negotiate on the same scope.
    
    

  • Ask about off-season discounts (late fall through early winter) when crews are less busy. 

  • Combine removal and installation in one contract to avoid double mobilization fees.
    
    

In Bristol, plan on $17 – $35 per foot for new fences and $200 – $950 for most repairs. Your final number will depend on material, footage, terrain, gate count and permit fees—so a site visit and itemized quote are essential for an accurate budget.

Fence Rules in Bristol Township, PA

If you're looking to put up a fence in Bristol Township, here’s a general guide to what you need to know:

Permits 

• Yes, you'll need a zoning permit from the Bristol Township Department of Code Enforcement for any new fence.

• Application: You'll have to submit a plot plan showing your property lines, any existing buildings, and the exact location of your proposed fence. If you're on a corner lot, this plan also needs to clearly show the "clear sight triangle" (more on that below).

• Cost: The 2023 fee schedule listed the permit for a residential fence at $60.00. It's always a good idea to confirm the current fee when you apply.

Fence Height Limits

• Side and Rear Yards: Generally, fences in these areas can be up to 6 feet high.

• Front Yard: In your front yard, the maximum height is typically 4 feet.

• Special Lots: If you're on a corner lot, a "through lot" (one that runs between two parallel streets), or any lot with more than one street frontage, the front yard height restriction (usually 4 feet) will apply to all yards that border a street.

Fence Location & Setbacks

• On Your Property: Your fence must be located entirely within your own property lines. It’s often recommended to place it several inches inside your property line to avoid any disputes with neighbors and to allow for maintenance.

• Rights-of-Way & Easements: You generally can't build a fence in a public right-of-way or over a utility easement without specific approval.

• Keep Corners Clear for Safety! (Clear Sight Triangle): This is crucial for visibility.

  • At Street Intersections: On corner lots, fences are usually limited to a height of 30 inches within the triangular area formed by measuring 30 feet along both street lines from where they meet.

  • Near Driveways: To ensure you can see oncoming traffic and pedestrians, no fence taller than 30 inches is typically allowed within 10 feet of where your driveway meets the street line.

Fence Materials & Good Practices

• "Good Side Out": The finished side of your fence must face outward, towards your neighbors or any public street.

• What's Not Allowed:

  • Barbed wire and electrically charged fences are generally prohibited, with some exceptions for approved agricultural uses or animal containment that meet specific safety conditions.

  • Sharp objects (like spikes) are not allowed on top of fences that are less than 6 feet high.

  • If you're putting a chain-link fence in your front yard, you usually can't add privacy slats.

• Pool Fences: If the fence is for a swimming pool, it needs to be at least 4 feet high and have self-closing, self-latching gates, complying with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).

• Keep it Tidy: All fences must be maintained in good condition and repair.

Get the Official Word:

• Bristol Township Department of Code Enforcement

  • Address: 2501 Bath Road, Bristol, PA 19007

  • Phone: (215) 785-0500 (ask for Code Enforcement)

  • You can usually find permit applications and more details on the Bristol Township website.

Fence Rules in Bristol Borough, PA

If you're in historic Bristol Borough, here’s what you should keep in mind for your fence project:

Permits

• Yes, you'll need a zoning permit before erecting a fence. You'll apply for this through the Bristol Borough Department of Code Enforcement / Zoning Office.

• Application: Be prepared to submit a site plan with your application. This plan should show your property lines, any existing structures, and where you plan to put the new fence.

• Cost: The 2024 Fee Schedule for Bristol Borough listed a residential fence permit at $50.00. Commercial fence permits were listed at $100.00. As always, confirm the current fee when you apply.

Fence Height Limits

• Front Yard: From the front of your house to the street, fences can be a maximum of 4 feet high.

• Side and Rear Yards: In these areas, you can generally go up to 6 feet high.

• Corner Lots: If your property is on a corner, the 4-foot height limit for front yards applies to both sides of your property that face a street.

Fence Location & Setbacks

• Stay Within Your Lines: Your fence must be built entirely within your property lines.

• Maintenance Access: It's often a good idea to set your fence back a bit from the actual property line to give yourself room for maintenance without having to go onto your neighbor's property.

• No Fences in Public Rights-of-Way: You cannot build your fence in the public right-of-way.

• Clear Sight at Intersections: To keep things safe for drivers and pedestrians, no fence taller than 3 feet is usually permitted within 25 feet of the intersection of street lines at a corner.

Fence Materials & Other Considerations

• "Good Side Out": Just like in the Township, the finished side of your fence should face your neighbors or the street.

• Prohibited Materials: Generally, you can't use barbed wire, razor wire, or electric fences (unless for very specific, approved agricultural purposes). Fences made of sheet metal, fabric, or canvas are also typically not permitted.

• Preferred Styles: Open-type fences like picket, split rail, or chain link (preferably without privacy slats in the front yard) are often encouraged, especially for front yards, to maintain an open feel.

• Pool Fences: If your fence is enclosing a swimming pool, it must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC). This usually means a minimum height of 4 feet with self-closing and self-latching gates.

• Keep It Up: Fences must be kept in good repair.

• Historic District Considerations: Bristol Borough has a designated Historic District. If your property is located within this district, you will likely need approval from the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) for your fence. HARB will review the design and materials to ensure they are appropriate for the historic character of the area. This is a very important step if it applies to you!

Get the Official Word:

• Bristol Borough Department of Code Enforcement / Zoning Office

  • Address: Bristol Borough Hall, 250 Pond Street, Bristol, PA 19007

  • Phone: (215) 788-3828 (ask for Code Enforcement or the Zoning Officer)

  • Check the Bristol Borough website for applications and contact details.