Fence Regulations in Union City, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Union City or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Union City has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Permit Requirements

Fence permits are required in Union City under Chapter 223 (Land Development Ordinance) and NJ UCC. A zoning permit must accompany the building permit application. Applications are processed by the Zoning Officer at Union City City Hall.

Key details: Zoning Permit: Required — reviewed within 10 business days. Building Permit: Also required from Construction Official. City Hall: 3715 Palisade Ave., (201) 348-5731. Code: Chapter 223 (LDO).

Fence without permit: zoning violation, stop-work order, mandatory removal, and fines.

Height Limits

Union City fence height limits are governed by Chapter 223 (Land Development Ordinance, amended 2019). General residential limits follow NJ standards: front yard fences typically 3–4 feet maximum; rear and side yard fences up to 6 feet. Contact Union City Zoning Officer for district-specific limits.

Key details: Front Yard: Typically 3–4 feet maximum. Rear/Side Yard: Up to 6 feet. Code: Chapter 223 (LDO, amended 2019). Contact: Zoning Dept., (201) 348-5731.

Fence exceeding height limit: zoning violation, removal order, and fines under Chapter 223.

Neighbor Fence Rules

New Jersey law requires the finished side of a fence to face neighboring properties. Union City's Land Development Ordinance requires notification to adjacent owners and a property survey before fence installation. Shared boundary disputes are handled by Union City Municipal Court.

Key details: Finished Side: Must face neighbors/public. Survey Required: Property boundary survey for permits. Shared Fences: Equal maintenance responsibility. Disputes: Union City Municipal Court.

Fence facing wrong direction: zoning citation. Encroachment on neighbor property: mandatory removal ordered.

The Bottom Line

Union City'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 Union City is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Union City 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.