Fence Regulations in Clifton, NJ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Clifton, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Clifton caps residential fences at four feet in front yards and along street-facing side yards, and at six feet along the rear when the top foot is at least half open. Corner lots must keep a visibility triangle clear of anything over three feet six inches near the intersection.
Clifton Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsClifton Code §§ 461-47A, 461-48
A. The following shall be permitted in residential districts: (1) A fence not exceeding four feet in height erected along the front property line and along the side lines to the front line of the main structure. Such fence shall have open space of at least the same size and between each two pickets, slats or other construction elements; that is, 50% open construction. ... (4) A fence erected al...
Fence Permit Requirements
Every fence erected in Clifton needs a permit under Code § 461-51, backed by a certified survey showing the fence's proposed type, height and location. The Zoning Officer charges $75 for a residential fence permit and $100 for a nonresidential fence of any height under the § 461-70I fee schedule.
Clifton Fence Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsClifton Code § 461-51; § 461-70I(1)(a), (2)(a)
§ 461-51. Permit required for fence. A permit shall be required for the erection of a fence. A certified survey shall be submitted, showing the proposed fence and indicating its type, height and location. ... I. Zoning review fees. A permit shall be required to be obtained from the Zoning Officer for the following, same to be issued upon the payment of the fee indicated: (1) Residential. (a) Fe...
Retaining Walls
Clifton Code § 461-50 requires every retaining wall to resist the pressure of the material it holds back, including dead and live load surcharges, and to stand against overturning, sliding, foundation pressure and water uplift. A building permit with a certified plot plan is required before construction.
Clifton Retaining Wall Design Rules
Some RestrictionsClifton Code § 461-50
A. Retaining walls shall be designed to resist the pressure of the retained material, including both dead and live load surcharges to which they may be subjected, and to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift. B. When such walls are designed by a licensed architect or licensed engineer, these requirements may be modified subject to the appr...
Material Restrictions
Clifton Code § 461-47K bans barbed wire and razor-type fencing outright, in every zoning district and as part of any fence. The same article requires the finished side of a fence to face the neighbor or the street, and no fence may block natural water flow across the lot.
Clifton Bans Barbed Wire Fencing
Heavy RestrictionsClifton Code § 461-47H, J, K
K. Barbed wire and razor-type fencing shall not be permitted in any district or as part of any fence. J. The finished side of the fence in all districts must face the neighboring property or any public right-of-way. H. In no case shall any fence be permitted to alter or restrict the natural or existing water flow across property lines.
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Clifton city rules.
Fence Regulations in Passaic County →