Ridgewood's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Ridgewood, New Jersey, there are 5 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

Ridgewood limits residential fences to four feet in height in most yards, with taller heights permitted only in specific situations such as rear yards abutting nonresidential uses or pool enclosures meeting code.

Key details: Standard limit: 4 feet residential. Pool/abutting: Up to 6 feet. Over 6 feet: Deed restriction required. Code source: Chapter 190 zoning.

Violators may receive zoning citations, stop-work orders, and be required to remove or reduce noncompliant fencing. Fines accumulate per day under Chapter 1 general penalty provisions until corrected.

Permit Requirements

Ridgewood requires a zoning permit before constructing, replacing, or altering any fence or freestanding wall on residential property, with applications reviewed by the Zoning Officer for compliance.

Key details: Permit required: All residential fences. Issuing office: Building/Zoning Department. Over 6 feet: UCC plus deed restriction. Plan needed: Survey with fence shown.

Installing a fence without a zoning permit can result in stop-work orders, mandatory removal, and ordinance fines. Continuing violations are subject to per-day penalties under the Village's general penalty schedule.

Material Restrictions

Ridgewood requires that the finished, decorative side of any fence face neighboring properties or the street, with structural posts and rails facing inward, and prohibits barbed or dangerous materials in residential zones.

Key details: Finished side: Faces neighbor or street. Barbed wire: Prohibited residential. Maintenance: Property Maintenance Code. Enforcement: Zoning Officer.

Fences installed with the unfinished side outward, or made of prohibited materials, must be reversed or removed. The Village can issue notices of violation and fines until the fence conforms.

Pool Barriers

Ridgewood requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by code-compliant barriers under Chapter 251, with location restrictions setting pools at least ten feet from side and rear lot lines and prohibiting pools in front yards.

Key details: Side/rear setback: 10 feet minimum. Front yard: Pools prohibited. Barrier code: Chapter 251, § 251-17. Conflict rule: Chapter 251 governs.

Operating a pool without a compliant barrier may result in pool closure orders, fines, and liability exposure. The Village may require draining or removal until barriers meet code.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ridgewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Retaining Walls

Ridgewood requires zoning permits for any retaining wall over two feet tall, with engineered drawings, soil reports, and grading plans signed by a licensed New Jersey professional engineer for review by the Village Engineer.

Key details: Permit threshold: Over 2 feet tall. PE seal: Required NJ-licensed engineer. Major walls: Escrow deposit required. Reviewer: Village Engineer.

Constructing a retaining wall without a permit, or one that fails engineering review, can result in stop-work orders, removal orders, and fines. The Village may require restoration of grade and drainage.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ridgewood actively enforces its retaining walls requirements.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ridgewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Ridgewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.