IN Peters Township June/July 2022 | Page 15

DO I NEED A PERMIT TO INSTALL A FENCE ?
WHAT ARE FENCE RULES AND REGULATIONS ?
( 1 ) Fences shall be defined to include a front and back face . The finished side of the fence shall be considered the front face and the front face shall be oriented toward the exterior of a lot so that a maximum of 80 % of each structural member of the fence , unless a split rail fence , shall be visible from an adjacent lot .
( 2 ) Privacy fences shall include fences with slat spacing of less than one inch .
( 3 ) No fence in the residential zoning districts shall be barbed wire or electric , excluding use on a farm .
( 4 ) No privacy or chain link fence may be constructed forward of the front setback lines .
( 5 ) No front yard fence shall exceed four feet in total height ( measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material ).
( 6 ) No side or rear fence shall exceed six feet in total height ( measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material ).
( 7 ) Fences , including decorative fencing , shall not have unprotected spikes or similar components .
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO INSTALL A FENCE ? Yes , all fences installed in Peters Township require a permit . HOW DO I OBTAIN A FENCE PERMIT ?
PETERS TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER
The Peters Township Fire Department was recently recognized by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner for having 100 % of their firefighting personnel trained to nationally recognized professional qualifications and standards .
“ Participating Department ” is a program that Commonwealth emergency responders have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards . The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support , promote , and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth ’ s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner .
Fence permit applications are found on the Peters Township website under Permit Applications . Additionally , you may also obtain applications from the Municipal Building .
DO I NEED A SURVEY TO OBTAIN A FENCE PERMIT ?
Yes , you must submit a current survey with the application showing the location of the fence and gates . A current survey
There are four Levels at which fire departments can apply for recognition . The levels are based on the percentage of personnel the department has certified to the following levels :
• 10 % of Personnel Certified
• 50 % of Personnel Certified - Bronze
• 75 % of Personnel Certified - Silver
• 100 % of Personnel Certified - Gold
At the time of application , Pennsylvania has a total of 2,448 fire departments according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner . 209 of those departments participate in the recognition program , and only 36 of them are at the Gold Level . Peters Township is now the 37th Gold Level Participating Department .
must include all existing structures and improvements on your property .
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A FENCE PERMIT TO BE APPROVED ?
Once submitted to Peters Township , fence permit applications are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and location on the property . Typically , the review is completed within a week . However , applications may take longer depending on the quantity of applications being reviewed at the time . It is recommend to apply well in-advance to avoid delays with your project .
DO I HAVE TO CONTACT PA ONE CALL PRIOR TO DIGGING ?
Yes , permits involving digging require a PA One Call by state law . Call 811 or visit www . pa1call . org at least 3 days prior to digging .
IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FENCES OR THE PERMITTING PROCESS , WHO DO I CONTACT ?

Residents should call the Planning Department at 724.942.5005 . eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www . peterstownship . com 724.941.4180

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