Fence Regulations in Cherry Hill, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Cherry Hill or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cherry Hill has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Material Restrictions
Township Code prohibits barbed wire, fences topped with metal spikes, broken bottles or glass, and any fence material or construction dangerous to persons or animals on residential property.
Key details: Code: Cherry Hill Twp. Code Ch. 40 Zoning. Prohibited: Barbed wire, spikes, broken glass. Approved: Wood, chain link, aluminum, vinyl.
Removal order; failure to comply within stated time is a Code Enforcement violation.
Compared to other cities, Cherry Hill takes a harder line on material restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Height Limits
In single-family residential zones, fences may not exceed 6 feet in rear and side yards, and 3 feet in the front yard from grade level.
Key details: Code: Cherry Hill Twp. Code Ch. 40 Zoning. Rear/Side Yard Max: 6 feet. Front Yard Max: 3 feet.
Building of a non-compliant fence without permit can be cited; correction can include removal and replacement.
Retaining Walls
Cherry Hill Township requires a construction permit for every retaining wall and prices it by size and structure type under § 13-1.4a1(m). A wall over 550 square feet at a Class 3 residential structure costs $210 to permit, a smaller wall costs $106, and walls at other properties are billed by construction cost.
Key details: Permit required: for every retaining wall. Fee, residential, over 550 sq ft: $210. Fee, residential, 550 sq ft or less: $106. Fee, non-residential structure: $34 per $1,000 of cost. Administering office: Building Subcode Official.
Retaining wall construction without the required permit falls under the general Chapter 13 enforcement framework: because no wall-specific penalty is printed, an unpermitted wall is treated as unpermitted general construction and exposes the property owner to the Township's general penalty, § 1-5.1, up to a $2,000 fine or 90 days of imprisonment or community service, at the Municipal Court's discretion.
The Bottom Line
Cherry Hill's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cherry Hill is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Cherry Hill can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.