Fence Regulations in Elizabeth, NJ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Elizabeth, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
City Code Section 17.36.110(C)(5) caps residential fences at 6 feet in a side or rear yard and 3 feet in front, with taller limits of 8 feet commercial and 12 feet industrial. Section 17.36.130 separately bars any obstruction between 3 and 10 feet high inside the sight triangle at street corners.
Elizabeth Fence Height and Corner Visibility Rules
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.36.110(C)(5)(c)-(e) and § 17.36.130
c.In industrial districts, fences or walls may not exceed twelve (12) feet in height.d.In commercial districts, fences or walls may not exceed eight (8) feet in height. In front yards, fences or walls shall be of a decorative material or obscured by plant material with visually solid portions limited to a height of three (3) feet.e.For residential uses in any district, fences or walls may not e...
Fence Permit Requirements
Elizabeth requires a zoning permit before installing a fence. City Code § 17.08.065 lists fences among the accessory alterations to one- and two-family homes, alongside decks, sheds, and pools, that trigger a mandatory zoning permit even without a footprint change. The zoning officer can revoke the permit and fine noncompliant owners.
Elizabeth Fence Zoning Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.08.065(A)-(B)(1)
17.08.065 - Zoning permits. A.A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any use or the erection, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of any structure or building, confirming that such uses, structures, or building complies with the city zoning ordinance. B.Zoning permits shall be required for the following buildings and uses:1.Residential alterations to o...
Retaining Walls
Elizabeth requires a zoning permit before a retaining wall is built, reconstructed or altered on multi-family or nonresidential property, confirming compliance with the zoning ordinance under § 17.08.065 before construction begins, with the zoning officer able to revoke the permit or impose a fine for noncompliant work.
Elizabeth Zoning Permit Required for Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.08.065(A), (B)(5)
A.A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any use or the erection, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of any structure or building, confirming that such uses, structures, or building complies with the city zoning ordinance.B.Zoning permits shall be required for the following buildings and uses:...5.Alterations to multi-family, nonresidential structures...
Material Restrictions
City Code Section 17.36.110(C)(5)(e)-(f) bars barbed wire or razor wire from any fence or wall material in residential zones, and a separate citywide clause repeats the ban for the entire city, not just houses. No conditional exception or commercial carve-out appears in the fence-material rule.
Elizabeth Bans Barbed and Razor Wire Fencing
Heavy RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.36.110(C)(5)(e)-(f)
e....Barbed wire or razor wire may not be used as part of a fence or wall, or as fencing material in any residential zone.f.No barbed or razor wire fences shall be permitted anywhere within the city boundaries.
Looking for Union County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Elizabeth city rules.
Fence Regulations in Union County →