Paramus's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Paramus, 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.

Height Limits

Paramus limits residential fences to 6 feet in rear and side yards, while front yard fences within the 35-foot setback may not exceed 3 feet whether solid or see-through.

Key details: Rear/Side Yard Max: 6 feet. Front Yard Max: 3 feet. Corner Sight Triangle: 2.5 feet max. Planning Board Max: 10 feet. Code Chapter: Chapter 429 Zoning.

Violations may result in zoning enforcement notices requiring the fence be lowered or removed. Continued noncompliance can lead to municipal court summonses with daily fines until corrected.

Pool Barriers

Paramus requires in-ground pool barriers at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates that swing outward away from the pool and prevent access beneath, through, or over the fence.

Key details: Min Barrier Height: 4 feet. Gate Type: Self-closing, self-latching. Gate Swing: Outward from pool. Pool Setback: 10 feet from side/rear. Permits Needed: Building, electric, plumbing.

An unfenced or improperly gated pool can result in immediate enforcement, code-official stop-use orders, and substantial fines. Drowning-related liability also follows from noncompliant barriers.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Paramus actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

Permit Requirements

Paramus requires a zoning permit before installing or replacing a fence. Applications go through the Building Department at 1 Jockish Square and must show fence location, height, and materials on a property survey.

Key details: Permit Required: Before installation. Issuing Office: Building Department. Address: 1 Jockish Square. Survey Required: Yes, with location. Good Side: Faces neighbor.

Installing a fence without a permit can trigger a stop-work order, mandatory removal, and zoning fines. Owners may be required to retroactively apply, pay fees, and modify noncompliant work.

Retaining Walls

Paramus regulates retaining walls by exposed height: walls under 4 feet need a zoning permit, while 4-foot and taller walls require a construction permit with engineering. Setbacks scale with wall height.

Key details: Under 4 ft: Zoning permit. 4 ft or taller: Construction permit. Walls Up to 3 ft: 2 ft setback. Walls Over 3 ft: 5 ft setback. Wall plus Fence Max: 10 feet combined.

Building a wall without the proper permit may result in stop-work orders, mandatory removal, and fines. Engineered walls built without sealed plans can be ordered demolished.

The Bottom Line

Paramus'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 Paramus is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Paramus's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.