If you live in a planned community, a townhome development or a neighborhood with covenants, your new fence probably needs two approvals: one from the municipality and one from your homeowners association. 76 FENCE Main Line helps homeowners and associations throughout the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities get fences approved, installed and looking consistent with the neighborhood.
HOA review isn’t something to fear. It usually just means documenting the plan clearly before work starts. That’s where we come in.
Why HOAs review fences
Associations want the neighborhood to look cohesive and to protect shared spaces, sight lines and property values. Covenants often address things like which materials and colors are allowed, how tall a fence can be, whether it can extend past the front of the house, which side of the fence faces out, and how close it can sit to common areas or easements. Every community writes its own rules, and some also expect a specific style so fences match from yard to yard.
Newer developments, such as the ones around Newtown Square, Malvern and West Chester, are especially likely to have detailed fence guidelines. Older neighborhoods may have none, but a historic district review can play a similar role.
How we help homeowners get approved
Start by sharing your HOA’s architectural guidelines or fence policy if you have them. During the free walkthrough, we’ll review the rules with you and design a fence that meets them from the start, rather than hoping a board will make an exception.
- A site sketch or plot plan showing the fence line, height and gate locations.
- Product information: material, color, style and manufacturer details.
- Photos or spec sheets of the exact panel style when the board asks for them.
- Coordination on timing so HOA approval and the municipal permit line up.
You submit the application as the owner, or we can help assemble it. Once you have approval in hand, we schedule the install.
Styles HOAs commonly approve
We can’t promise what any particular board will accept, but certain fences tend to fit well within community standards because they’re clean, uniform and low-maintenance:
Black aluminum
Open, classic and consistent. Aluminum fencing is a frequent choice where boards want to keep sight lines open.
White or tan vinyl
Vinyl holds a uniform color without painting, which keeps rows of yards looking alike over time.
Semi-privacy and picket
Semi-privacy and picket designs soften the look where full privacy panels aren’t allowed.
Split rail
Where covenants favor a rural or open feel, split rail marks a boundary without walling it off.
Township rules still apply
HOA approval doesn’t replace a municipal permit. Many Main Line municipalities require a zoning or fence permit or review, and the two sets of rules don’t always say the same thing. Rules vary; we check them for you and make sure the plan satisfies both. Read more on our fence permits page or in the permit FAQ.
Before any digging, we also submit the PA One Call (811) utility locate request. In developments with buried utilities running along lot lines, that step matters.
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Book a free, no-pressure estimate. Zero dispatch fees — and we handle permits, HOA paperwork and the 811 call.
For boards and property managers
Associations sometimes need fencing for common areas: pool enclosures, playgrounds, entrance features, stormwater basins, tennis courts or dumpster areas. We work with boards and management companies on these projects and can match an existing community style so new sections blend in.
If your community is updating its guidelines, we’re happy to talk through which materials hold up best in Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw winters and humid summers, so the approved list makes sense for the long run. Our commercial fencing and pool fence pages cover common-area work in more detail.
Shared fences between neighbors
In townhome and twin communities, a fence often sits right on or near a shared lot line. It’s smart to talk with your neighbor before you submit, and to confirm where the line actually is. Our FAQ on who owns the fence between neighbors covers the common questions.
Straightforward pricing and payment
Estimates are free and there are no dispatch fees. We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install, and financing is available through our partner Wisetack. Check your options online in minutes on our financing page, or see what affects cost in the pricing guide.
Have your HOA guidelines handy? Call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate, and we’ll design a fence that fits the rules and your yard.