Garfield's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Garfield, New Jersey, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Barriers

Garfield requires permanent swimming pools to sit at least six feet from any rear or side lot line, supplementing New Jersey's state pool barrier code.

Key details: Side/rear setback: 6 feet minimum. Applies to: Permanent pools. Pool barrier specs: Per NJ state code. Code section: Chapter 341, Article IX.

Installing a permanent pool closer than six feet to a side or rear lot line violates the Garfield zoning code and may trigger removal, relocation, or significant fines.

Compared to other cities, Garfield takes a harder line on pool barriers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Garfield requires that the finished or face side of any fence point toward the adjacent neighboring property, ensuring neighbors are not left looking at framing.

Key details: Finished side: Must face neighbor. Applies to: All fences in R Districts. Code section: Chapter 341, Article IX. Enforcement: Zoning Officer.

Installing a fence with the structural framing facing a neighbor's property is a zoning violation and the property owner may be required to reverse or reinstall the fence to comply.

Garfield is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Material Restrictions

Garfield regulates fence materials by openness percentage in residential districts, requiring partial transparency for fences within 50 feet of the front property line.

Key details: Front area openness: 25 to 50 percent open. Beyond 50 feet: 25 percent semi-open. Solid front fence: Not permitted. Code section: Chapter 341, Article IX.

Installing a fully solid fence in a location requiring open or semi-open construction is a zoning violation and may require modification or replacement of the fencing material.

Height Limits

In residential zones, Garfield limits fences to six feet in rear and side yards, with reduced heights and open construction required closer to the front property line.

Key details: Max rear/side height: 6 feet. Front-yard solid fence: Prohibited. Corner sight triangle: 3 feet maximum. Code section: Chapter 341, Article IX.

Erecting a solid front-yard fence, exceeding six feet without approval, or blocking corner sight triangles violates the zoning chapter and may result in removal orders and penalties.

The Bottom Line

Garfield'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 Garfield is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Garfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.