Newtown Fence Company

Fence installation costs in Newtown, PA vary depending on fence type, material, and project size: 

• Chain Link Fences: $8 – $14 per linear foot

• Wood Privacy Fences: $18 – $23 per linear foot 

• Vinyl Fences: $15 – $41 per linear foot 

• Composite Fences: $11 – $46 per linear foot 

• Ornamental Aluminum & Wrought Iron Fences: $41 – $77 per linear foot

Cost Breakdown by Material

Chain Link Fences

• $8 – $14 per linear foot: The most budget-friendly option, ideal for security and pet containment 

Wood Privacy Fences

• $18 – $23 per linear foot: Classic cedar or pine panels for full privacy and natural appeal 

Vinyl Fences

• $15 – $41 per linear foot: Low-maintenance PVC options that won’t peel, rot, or require painting

Composite Fences

• $11 – $46 per linear foot: Blends of wood fibers and plastic for durability without the upkeep

Ornamental Aluminum & Wrought Iron Fences

• $15 – $50 per linear foot for composite or premium materials, offering low-maintenance durability

• $28 – $67 per linear foot for ornamental aluminum and wrought-iron styles, reflecting decorative appeal
  
  

Cost Factors

When planning your fence project, keep these factors in mind:

• Permit & Zoning Fees: Newtown Township requires a residential review fee of $103 and a commercial review fee of $283 at application time

• Gate Installation: Expect to invest about $320 – $1,560 for adding or replacing a custom gate, depending on material and hardware.

• Fence Height & Style: Taller panels (6 ft vs. 4 ft) and decorative elements can push per-foot rates higher

• Site Preparation & Terrain: Uneven ground, tree removal, or grading may add 10 – 25% in labor and equipment costs

• Material Quality & Warranty: Premium cedar, redwood, or composite blends offer longer warranties and superior weather resistance, but carry a higher initial price tag 

Here is an overview of the key zoning regulations governing fences in Newtown Township, PA, including permit requirements, height and location limits, construction standards, and additional rules to ensure safety and neighborhood character.

Fence Zoning Rules in Newtown, PA

Newtown Township requires a zoning permit for virtually all fence installations and non–“same-in-kind” replacements, enforces specific height limits: 4 ft in front yards (5 ft for open “post-and-rail” fences) and 7 ft elsewhere, and mandates setback, aperture, and construction standards to preserve sight lines, stormwater function, and community aesthetics.

Permit Requirements

• Zoning Permit Required: Any new fence or replacement that is not a “same-in-kind” swap (same type, height, material, location, and originally permitted) requires a zoning permit.

• HOA Approvals: If your property is in an HOA, you must submit a letter of HOA approval along with your permit application.

• Application & Fees: Permit applications are reviewed by the Zoning Officer; all fees follow the Township’s Schedule of Fees & Charges.

Height & Location Restrictions

• Front Yard Height: Maximum 4 ft; post-and-rail or post-and-board fences may reach 5 ft if they maintain at least 50% open area.

• Side/Rear Yards: Fences may be up to 7 ft tall in side and rear yards.

• Tall Fence Apertures: Any fence over 6 ft must have apertures ≥ 25% of its surface area (single-plane) or ≥ 40% (staggered planes) to reduce wind loads.

• Corner & Reverse-Frontage Lots: The front-yard height limit applies on all street frontages of corner or reverse-frontage lots.

• No Fences in Drainage Easements: Fences may not be located within any approved stormwater drainage easements or swales.

• Special Uses (Tennis Courts): Up to 10 ft high, set back a minimum of 100 ft from property lines.

Construction & Materials Standards

• Orientation: The finished (good) side of the fence must face outward toward streets or neighboring properties.

• Support Framing: Posts and framework must face the interior of the lot so that hardware (e.g., brackets) is on the inside.

• Berm Consideration: If installed on a man-made berm, the berm height is counted toward the maximum fence height.

Additional Requirements

• Utility Notification: Property owners (or contractors) must notify Pennsylvania’s One-Call System before digging to identify underground utilities.

• Maintenance: All fences and walls must be kept in good repair; deteriorated or leaning fences may be subject to enforcement actions.

• Permit Fees: Residential accessory-structure permits cost $80; commercial fence permits are $155.

• Exemptions: Agricultural and active-recreational fencing (e.g., livestock or crop containment) may be exempt under Section 1205 of the Zoning Ordinance.

With these guidelines, you can plan your fence project in Newtown, PA to meet all zoning requirements and avoid delays or fines. If you have questions or need to apply for a permit, contact the Codes & Zoning Department at 215-968-2800 or visit the Township website’s Permit Applications & Forms page.

Sources:

https://newtownpa.gov/newtown-township-department-of-codes-zoning/newtown-township-permit-applications-forms/

https://newtownpa.gov/newtown-township-department-of-codes-zoning/

https://newtownpa.gov/faq-items/do-i-need-a-permit-to-install-a-fence/

https://newtownpa.gov/faq-items/do-i-need-a-permit-to-replace-an-existing-fence-on-my-property/

https://newtownpa.gov/frequently-asked-questions-concerns/

https://newtownpa.gov/faq-items/i-would-like-to-erect-a-fence-on-my-property-whom-must-i-notify/

https://www.newtownpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/NewtownTownship_ScheduleOfFees.pdf

https://buckscountyfence.net/fence-permit-newtown-township-pa/

Thinking about putting up a fence in Newtown Borough? It's a beautiful historic town, and like most places, it has specific rules to ensure fences fit in with the neighborhood character and safety. Here’s what you generally need to know before you start digging post holes.

Getting a Fence Permit

Yes, you'll almost certainly need a permit from Newtown Borough for a new fence, or if you're significantly altering or reconstructing an existing one. Good news, though: simple repairs or maintenance usually don't require a permit.

When you apply, you'll likely need to submit a plot plan showing your property, existing structures, and where the proposed fence will go. As for the cost, the 2025 Newtown Borough Fee Schedule indicates a zoning permit for a residential fence is $80, and for a non-residential fence, it's $155. Fees can change, so it's always a good idea to confirm the current amount.

Rules on Fence Height and Location 

While detailed, specific height limits for every part of your yard (like 4 feet for front, 6 feet for back) weren't immediately spelled out in all the Borough's general public documents, here’s what we can gather:

• A Common Height: The Borough's regulations and fee schedule frequently mention 6 feet as a notable height for fences, often in the context of screening requirements or for specific permit considerations for fences "over 6ft." This suggests 6 feet is a common maximum or a point at which different rules might apply. You'll want to confirm specific limits for front, side, and rear yards directly with the Borough.

• Corner Lot Safety – Clear Sight Triangle: This is a big one. If your property is on a corner, you can't have any fence, wall, or dense planting that blocks the view for traffic. Newtown Borough requires a clear sight triangle of 25 feet (measured along the property lines from the intersection). Within this triangle, nothing can be taller than two feet off the ground.

• Buffer Zones: The Borough code mentions a general requirement for a 10-foot buffer along side and rear property lines in many situations. How this directly impacts your fence placement (e.g., if the fence goes on your side of this buffer or if there are specific setbacks from the line itself) is something you should clarify with the zoning office.

Building Your Fence

• Good Side Out: If your fence has a finished side and an unfinished side (with the posts and rails showing), the finished "good" side must face your neighbors or any public street.

• Protect the Trees: You can't use living trees as part of your fence structure or drive nails or spikes into them.

HARB

A significant portion of Newtown Borough is a designated Historic District. This means there's an extra layer of review for many exterior projects, including fences, to ensure they're in keeping with the Borough's historic character.

• Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB): If your property is in the Historic District, and your proposed fence is visible from a public street, you'll need approval from HARB. They'll look at the fence design, materials, and how it fits with your property and the surrounding historic area.

• Plan Ahead: It’s wise to discuss your plans with the Borough and HARB early on if you're in the Historic District. They can guide you on appropriate styles and materials.

Don't Forget These Important Steps!

• Call 811 Before You Dig: This is a Pennsylvania state law. A few days before you start any digging, call 811 (PA One Call) so they can mark the location of any underground utility lines. It’s free, and it’s for your safety!

• HOA Rules? I don't know of any HOAs in Newtown Borough, but If you live in a part of the Borough that also has a Homeowners Association (HOA), they might have their own rules for fences. 

Contact the Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer

These guidelines should give you a good start, but zoning codes can be complex, and the historic nature of Newtown Borough means extra care is often needed.

• Your best bet is to contact the Newtown Borough Building & Zoning office directly. They can give you the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific property and project.

• You can often find permit applications and contact information on the official Borough website: boroughofnewtown.com. Digital plan submissions go to buildingandzoning@boroughofnewtown.com.

A little planning and a conversation with the Borough officials will help ensure your new fence is a welcome addition to your property and the charming streetscape of Newtown Borough.