How Close Can I Put A Fence to My Property Line? By FindLaw Staff | Yes, as long as it is your fence and the good side of the fence is facing your neighbor. Sometimes a neighbor may build an ugly fence out of spite for a neighbor. PA Fence Requirements: What You Need to Know, fence requirements can be found on the municipal website, http://www.taylorfencing.com.au/refresher-course-fencing-installation-equipment/, All the Help You Need With Getting a New Fence. What happens if my neighbor doesn't want to pay for half of the fence? Heres how it works. I was just at the township building getting a permit for my new fence. Click HERE to connect to a digital version of this document. This study explored the feasibility of converting the former abandoned railroad corridor into a recreation trail. All businesses operating in the Township must register. We use the following Municipal Code Officials to review and inspect all other residential and commercial plans. ALL burning, other than the recreational options listed below is prohibited in the Township. Urban density and legal liability have taken care of that. If i am replacing an existing fence should I still call my utility company to mark where everything is? Laws vary, but in many places a neighbor can build a fence directly on a property line. Contact us. It is expensive to order a true property line survey, but this is the only way to know for certain where property lines fall. The time allotment tends to be short: in the range of 30 or 60 days, rather than in months or years. We bought a house recently in PA. Our backyard is connected with our neighbors since it is a row home. Aluminum No fencing over two feet in height shall be permitted in any sight triangle as required under the Springettsbury Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. (2) A Temporary Certificate of Use & Occupancy is required to be obtained. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In other words, local laws will vary, so you should always consult a legal professional in your area. In many cases, you can build the fence directly on a property line that is shared with someone else as long as it is agreed upon. Mailing Address: 1501 Mt. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In many areas, state-level fence law dates back centuries and mainly addresses issues of grazing animals. A link to this page is also found at the bottom of the each webpage, under Quick Connect > Forms/Permits. o NEVER allow children near turkey fryers while in use or after use. o If the product comes with a grate to place the fuel on ALWAYS use it. A boundary line can may be marked by a tree. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Use of one of the six (6) preapproved plans contained in Attachment A 2. The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of ourcontributing authors. Permits are required for all plumbing work. Was the statute's terms to be given their plain meaning . When installing an above ground pool with a side wall of 48", the building code indicates the sides are an appropriate fence. ', If you have a good, long-standing relationship with your neighbors and you share a fence, then it may be possible to agree to share the costs and responsibilities of said fence. It also sets the size of the lot, lot coverage, and location of buildings on your property, among other items. Subsequent undated since June 2020 are include below the Ordinance. Fence parts delivered everywhere. My neighbor's fence violates a local ordinance. ', To prevent such disputes, 'a homeowner should hire a licensed surveyor to ascertain where the true boundary line resides. The York Township Zoning Ordinance with map is available at the link below. Write a letter to the neighbor explaining the problem with the fence. This was approved as required by the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act of 1999. Charcoal grills SHOULD NOT be used in a garage or on an apartment balcony. Fence regulations guide. Occupancy:use of the land up to the fence, "Join" for use:the attachment of another fence to the boundary fence, Entire enclosure:the property owner's entire property is enclosed by the attachment of other fencing to the boundary fence. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years. The rear setback for accessory buildings is 10 ft. The Land Use Asumption Report was adopted by resolution 2011-14 on November 7, 2011 and is available in whole at the link below: The MA and PA Community Greenway Feasibility Study explores the potential of converting approximately 12.4 miles of the former Maryland & Pennsylvania railroad corridor into a recreational trail in seven York County communities. (2) If an adjoining property owner or a tenant using the property of the adjoining property owner uses or begins to use the fence for purposes of restraining or containing animals the . Local ordinances set by cities and counties, and sometimes subdivision rules called Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), regulate fencing. They did not ask any questions like that. Additionally, these type of sales must comply with the following: (1) The sale shall not exceed 2 consecutive days (2) The sale shall begin no earlier than 9:00 A.M. & end no later than 9:00 P.M. (3) Only goods & property of the applicant/property owner shall be sold (4) Maximum of 2 sales at any one address per calendar year (5) Signs are permitted on the property of the sale only & must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends [signs on major street corners, attached to utility poles & street signs, or signs in any other locations are strictly prohibited] A Community Yard Sale including: Flea Markets, Rummage Sales, May Fairs, or similar events that involve multiple sellers on one or more properties, requires a different permit and has separate criteria. Fences in the front yard are limited to 4 feet unless set back from the property line by 15 feet. Article VII Definitions. Determining if You Need Permits for Fence Installation, Within 15 feet of a street line or street curb, When traffic sight distances are impaired. Some of the common issues that are dealt with include: Improper setbacks of fencing, swimming pools, decks, sheds, and patios; Concerns related to location, size, and type of signs Vehicles parking on grass such . Under these statutes, the neighbor may sue for its removal. Traditionally, notice has not been required, but the trend is for communities to require neighbor notification. The corridor passes through Spring Garden, York, Windsor and Chanceford Townships and the Boroughs of Yoe, Red Lion, and Dallastown. The main thing to be aware of is that fence rules vary by state. to erect. o NEVER leave a turkey fryer unattended while in use. For goats, it is recommended to install a 4 to 5-foot fence. the fence, but only by the consent of the adjoining owner (29 P.S. Published 30 April 23. o The grill should ONLY be used outdoors and away from anything that could burn. o ALWAYS place firebowls and chimneas as far from combustibles as possible. While fence-related laws, regulations, and zoning are different from one area to the next, there are a few common themes: notification, expenses, position and placement, and fence height and type. You may choose to sue the neighbor in small claims court for the loss of enjoyment of your property, but this will not result in the removal of the fence. Dover Township is a second class township located in beautiful York County, Pennsylvania 2480 West Canal Rd Dover, PA 17315 717-292-3634 . A Guide to Michigan Fence Laws. Length of grass - If you have dreamed of having a wildflower meadow . Permits are NOT required for any of the following:Interior renovations or alterations to existing residential one and two family structures that do not involve a structural change or changes to means of egress, installation of carpet, painting or wallpapering, or landscaping that involves the installation or removal of plant material. If you have erected a fence on the property line and the neighbor refuses to pay for half of the costs, you can take that neighbor to small claims court. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association, there may be even more strict requirements. To determine if these laws apply to you, start at the city or county level with the planning and permitting department. We do not get along with them at all and would like to put a privacy fence up. Can You Build on a Property or Utility Easement? ', In some cases, simply taking a good look at your backyard will give you a good idea of which side of the fence you're in charge of 'fences were most frequently built on land that belonged to the owner of the boundary, with the far side of the wall forming the actual boundary.'. Springettsbury Township employs a part time Codes Enforcement Officer whose primary duties are to investigate complaints or reports of violations related to property maintenance. A Residential Permit Applicationmust be submitted with a complete site planto obtain the appropriate approval. Unless state laws such as California's or local ordinances firm up those details, the matter is left in the hands of the two property owners. Building Inspection Underwriters of PA - 717-582-4483 You may choose your UCC review and inspection company from the above approved 3rd party Inspection Agencies. Written notice is required prior to removing a fence. o ONLY burn approved fuel. Many states have laws that regulate "spite fences." His children kept running onto my property chasing balls and killing my garden. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. How can I have the ordinance enforced? Article X (Reserved) Article XI Outdoor Water Pools. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. o ONLY use charcoal grills away from things that can burn. Search, Browse Law ', As David Reischer, Esq., Real Estate Attorney at LegalAdvice.com (opens in new tab), cautions, 'a homeowner cannot build a fence anywhere they want. Please try again. Read our, Notifying Neighbors Before Building a Fence. For over-the-counter Permits, submit applicable fee at time of submission. [xxvi] The order, like the recorded written agreement, is binding on the Common Garden and Yard Care Laws. If followed exactly an owner may install without submittal of a Modification Request. Fences and Walls: No fence or wall (except a retaining wall or a wall of a building permitted under the terms of this Ordinance) shall be erected to a height of more than three (3) feet in a front yard area. The renewal fee is 50% of the original fee for the first 6 months and 25% for the second 6 months. Proper documentation must be submitted with the Application demonstrating an affiliation with a non-profit organization. "The following are legal and sufficient fences: (a) fences consisting of at least 32-inch woven wire and two barbed wires firmly fastened to well-set posts A Residential Permit Applicationmust be submitted and may take between ten (10) and fifteen (15) days to be reviewed/approved. Permitting is required for most projects. What constitutes "use " varies by state. A Permit is not required. Who is responsible for the maintenance of a fence between two properties? Right after fulfilling all the requirements, and finally choosing the type of materials and fence styles, make sure you dont miss the small things. These fence regulations are the following: The fence must be a minimum of 48 tall (or taller, depending on the distance between horizontal rails). There is a sidewalk and gate that is on our property, but the neighbor uses it as it is the only gate to enter both yards. Is this legal? o ALWAYS completely thaw your turkey prior to using a turkey fryer. Boundary fences, or division fences, must conform to fencing laws established by local ordinances and CC&Rs. Use water to completely extinguish them. The Township has the right to inspect any property at any time when a land use permit has been issued. ' 300.3 . Before you remove or erect a fence on your property line, there are a few things you need to know. Fawn Township Zoning Ordinance (PDF) Ordinance No. You can phone the office at (585) 248-6490. When the turkey is inserted, the oil will overflow causing fire or an explosion hazard. o NEVER use a firebowl or chimnea on a wood deck. Contact us. But what if the homeowner wants to take action with the easement, such as erecting a fence on or near it? To order fence parts or schedule professional installation, call 800-431-4303 or contact us online! If one party refuses to cooperate, the other party can do any of the following: Local fencing laws guide fence requirements, such as the height of a fence, how far an owner must set back a fence, the use of prohibited material, the maintenance of a fence, and dangerous fences. Whether you live in Houston or Los Angeles, this is true in many cities across the US. FENCES SURROUNDING POOLS OR OTHER STRUCTURES. These can be located by yourself or by hiring a locating service. Fences are essential to protecting privacy in your backyard, keeping pets safely in, and establishing property lines. Can you bypass these issues by installing the fence just inside your property? Zoning determines what types of uses are permitted to be built on a given property. o NEVER leave a firebowl or chimnea unattended. 10. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Permitted to be placed on a property for a period of no more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year. York, PA 17402 Phone: 717-757-3521 Fax: 717-757-7856 info@springettsbury.com, Office Hours 8:00am 5:00pm Monday through Friday (excluding Township Holidays), 2012 & Earlier Board of Supervisors Minutes, York Area United Fire and Rescue Commission, Community Development (Permits/Planning/Zoning), Guidelines and Requirements for Your Residential Project, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Important Information About Your Sewer Account, New Parks and Recreation Registration Website Information, Community Development Forms & Permit Applications, Comprehensive, Site, and Transportation Plans, Guidelines & Requirements for Your Residential Project, Springettsbury Township Strategic Plan 2022-2026, Springettsbury Township Survey Report - 2017, Parks & Recreation Online Registration: Classes and Trips - NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM, Fall Fest featuring the Enchanted Fairy Festival, Ready.PA.Gov - Pennsylvania's Emergency Preparedness Website, Waste & Recycling Collection Contract - 2023-2027 Penn Waste, SLWA - Service Line Protection Warranty Program, Transportation Infrastructure Improvements, York County Special Needs Registry for Emergency Responders, 2022 Recycling Report For Commercial/Institutional/Municipal Facilities. On May 11, 2004, York Township (via Ordinance 2004-7) adopted the Uniform Construction Code, establishing the administration and enforcement of the code, a Board of Appeals and fees assessable by York Township. The effective date is December 1st, 2002. No wall or fence can be placed or maintained within the triangular area formed at the intersection of a street right-of-way lines as indicated in the illustration. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. If the fence (or wall) is built right ON the property line then the fence would be considered jointly owned by both properties, with each property responsible for the upkeep of the side that faces their house.' Your local government, usually at the city or county level, can tell you the details of your area's rules surrounding fences. Here are a few of the low-maintenance, high-style fencing options that are sure to pass the Pennsylvania pool fence laws: Aluminum Pool Fence- Maintenance free style and modern, luxury living aluminum fencing is the upscale and beautiful way to protect your pool area. In this case, it might be more to your benefit to decide the matter in civil court. Provisions for communal swimming pools accessory to townhouses and swimming pools accessory to other buildings regulated by the 2020 BCNYS, can be found in Section 3109 of the 2020 BCNYS. No fencing over two feet in height shall be permitted in any sight triangle as required under the Springettsbury Township . Zoning Ordinance last amendment 5-9-17(PDF), 2014 York Township Comprehensive Plan Report, York Township 2022 Stormwater Management Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance last amendment 10-28-13. They are allowed to do this. Working with a professional fence company can help. Can Your Neighbor Build a Fence on the Property Line? Article IX Fire Limits. The fee is $50.00 (3) A drawing depicting the location of any tents, stands, booths, grills, tables, etc. All plumbing work must be performed by a plumber licensed by Springettsbury Township. Part 2 Regulations. The main point is . From a purely legal standpoint, the neighbor, in most circumstances, can build the fence and even can ask you to pay 50 percent of the cost of the fence. Local fence laws assume that boundary fences benefit both homeowners, and so both owners must pay for the fence. Visit our corporate site. FRAMING Inspected after plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are roughed in and before insulating. The first thing to do is to engage in general fence research. Find out what the fence rules are where you live which side of the fence is yours and how to avoid disputes with neighbors. Is outdoor burning permitted in the Township? 1-2019 - Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Noise. Usually, you will have a certain amount of time to do so. The Ordinance was adopted August 13, 2012, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance last amendment 10-28-13 (PDF). This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style byFindLaws team of legal writers and attorneysand in accordance withour editorial standards. At the same time, shouldering the cost of building a fence does not entitle you to special privileges over your neighbor's desires. Its the time to focus on the tools. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. What does a permit cost? CURB, SIDEWALKS & APRONS Inspected after forms and stone base are in place and before pouring concrete. The backyard fence is added primarily for backyard privacy, keeping pets in a yard or personal space. It requires 30 days' advance written notice, along with details about the proposed building, maintenance cost, timeline, and design. Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. This means that the fence physically establishes a visual property line that each owner now begins to treat as the actual property line. Generally, a fence of up to 6 ft. in height is permitted along the rear and/or side property line of most residential parcels. If I am putting up a pool enclosure, and already have a fence running across my backyard, can I use that as part of the pool enclosure? York Township 2022 Stormwater Management Ordinance (PDF), Resolution 2022-08 Fee in lieu of SWM (PDF), The York Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance 2012-9 is available at the link below. The Roadway Sufficiency Analysis and Capital Improvements Plan report were adopted by resolution 2012-13 on July 10, 2012. Both property owners own the fence erected between the property lines when both use it. Please try again. (1)These types of sales may be conducted by Churches, Schools, Fraternal/Service Organizations, Condo Associations, etc. To order fence parts or schedule professional installation, call 800-431-4303 or contact us online! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. o When storing, TURN OFF the grill and gas tank. The review time is 10 to 15 days. Although fence issues may feel petty, they impact property rights which are incredibly important. How much time after snowfall do I have to clear the sidewalks? Conducting a yard/garage, moving or estate sale on a single residential property requires a permit. The plan should provide direction and initiatives on protecting open space, creating connections through greenways and trails and improving recreation and parks. 'MnXe>0j] M~LYSq#F17Y-v[n8]E2dV47lbsz^>vsG7*a-oJKjq C|]IC2C)-#gFp _FgYS5'64Xb@. o PRIOR to each use, check for leaks by applying soap and water to all connections and looking for bubbles. You will receive a verification email shortly. : The purpose of the Roadway Sufficiency Analysis is to determine the improvements that would be required to obtain a preferred levelof service for intersections and roadways in the transportation service area of the township for existing conditions, projectedconditions prior to land development, and projected conditions after land development. The Ordinance was adopted August 9, 2022. For example, a 6-foot privacy fence may be acceptable in the backyard, but a shorter, more open fence may be required in the front. Each sale may not exceed three (3) consecutive days. Local ordinances set by cities and counties, and sometimes subdivision rules calledCovenants, Conditions, and Restrictions(CC&Rs), regulate fencing. Article VIII General Restrictions and Requirements. ', In most cases, 'the surest way to know who owns a fence is to have a property survey done by a licensed surveyor. The fence may not have horizontal members on the exterior side that would make climbing easy. Community Development Forms and Applications. FEMA Hopewell Township Flood Map A privacy fence in your backyard will often not require a permit unless it is to be over 6 feet tall, depending on where you live, while the cut-off for the same type of fence in your front yard may be just 3.5 feet. Ordinance No. Gone are the days of vast, interconnected backyards. FOUNDATIONS Inspected when foundation is complete (pargeting, damp proofing, and drain tile must be in place when required) and prior to backfilling. Every state interprets "use" differently. o ONLY use charcoal briquettes. The 21-year requirement can be met by adding time from one owner to his successor. Contact Us A local professional is skilled at dealing with local requirements and can be a great resource for what is needed to make sure your fence is installed right the first time. All fences shall be set back a minimum of six inches from all side and rear yardproperty lines. Sheds larger than 150 sq. o Charcoal briquettes remain very hot after use. Many natural fence height restrictions range from five to eight feet. (Image credit: Verena Matthew / Alamy Stock Photo), (Image credit: Jorge Salcedo / Alamy Stock Photo), (Image credit: P.Spiro / Alamy Stock Photo), Everything you need to know about the 20/20 rule for decluttering. Can you plant shrubs in place of a fence and grow those shrubs super-high? Whatever you do, it is always good etiquette to speak to your neighbor first. The purpose of the following report is to project the amount of development and land use changes expected to occur within the next ten years in York Township, York County, Pennsylvania. For example, Washington State law states that "[the neighbor]shall pay the owner of such fence already erected one-half of the value as serves for a partition fence between them." Do I have to pay for the fence? For one, it can be awkward to approach a neighbor who you like and propose a fence. I have had joints replaced and am afraid of tripping over her rope whan I get out if my car. Have the repair work performed. A reproduction fee of $0.25/page is applicable. In Indiana, the law says it should be sufficiently tight to hold hogs, sheep, cattle, mules and horses. To speak to one of the Fence Authoritys experts about PA fence law, you can call our West Chester office at 610-431-4343 or our Montgomeryville office at 215-591-1591. Permit fees are established by the Board of Supervisors and found on the adopted Fee Schedule. Neighbors and passersby often take sharp notice of fences. She is ignoring her own survey as the land is mine. Sometimes fences and hedges can be banned all together, particularly in terms of the front yard or street facing yards. 2023; 2022; Prior Years. Home | About | Contact Directory | Intranet | Ethics Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743 (631) 351-3000 o ALWAYS use well insulated potholders and safety glasses when operating a turkey fryer. All pools must be fenced on all sides with a structure at least 48 inches high. Check it out yourself. It is a public policy guide for big picture thinking about the factors that actually make a place to live a community its land use patterns, housing choices, transportation networks, utility systems, recreation and the coordination to keep ideas moving forward., 2014 York Township Comprehensive Plan Report(PDF). Gates or doors must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latching mechanism placed at least 38 inches above the ground. 41). They own the land or have the right to possess it; The defendant acted in a way that interferes with the plaintiff's enjoyment and use of his or her property; and. It is a goal of the planning and zoning office to assist residents, property owners, business owners, builders and developers in understanding and complying with the regulations, procedures and ordinances on these matters as established by the township. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, We make every effort to keep our articles updated. If the fence (or wall) is built right ON the property line then the fence would be considered jointly owned by both properties, with each property responsible for the upkeep of the side that faces their house. In general, a minimum of 15 feet from combustibles should be maintained, however, consult the instruction manual for information specific to the product being used. DIY Guide I need my HOA approval in order to move forward with a building permit to build a fence in my back yard. There are a few further useful terms to know, though, as identified by landscaping expert with USInsuranceAgents.com (opens in new tab) Dorothea Hudson: If you are in the UK, fence rules are part of property boundary laws and can be complicated depending on when your house was built and its current deeds. 3. Or is it safe to assume nothing is in the way since there is already an existing fence? Ordinance No. If you live in Pennsylvania and plan to build a fence on your property, you need to be aware of the laws and regulations governing the process. At this point, I have no idea if it will be processed before then. In Pennsylvania, property line disputes are a common source of litigation.