Fence Regulations in Howell, NJ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Howell, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Howell Township Code § 188-12(A) caps fences and walls at four feet unless set back from the street line the zone's minimum setback, then six feet in a residential zone and eight feet in a business zone. No fence can sit in a required sight triangle, and fences in the setback area must be at least 50% open.
Howell Township Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 188-12
A. Fences and walls shall not be located in any required sight triangle and shall not be higher than four feet unless set back from the street line the minimum setback required for the zone, except that there shall be no height limitations other than the maintenance of a clear sight triangle on living fences, fences around agricultural uses, and fences around utility and industrial uses. Fences...
Fence Permit Requirements
Howell Township Code § 139-31 prices a land use certificate for fences at $50, and § 139-86 adds an $80 fee for fences over six feet in height. Section 188-12(B) requires an owner to produce a valid Township permit for any fence in the Township right-of-way, or relocate it at the owner's cost.
Howell Township Fence Permit and Land Use Certificate Fee
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 139-31
§ 139-31. Land use certificates. ... The fees for land use review and approval are: A. Land use certificate, individual plot plans: $85. ... C. Land use certificate, fences: $50.
Retaining Walls
In Howell Township, § 134-7 requires a licensed New Jersey professional engineer's design for any retaining wall over 30 inches high, a guard on walls over 30 inches, weep holes in those walls, and a Construction Code Official permit at a total height of 48 inches or higher. Walls must stay five feet off the property line.
Retaining Wall Rules in Howell Township, NJ
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 134-7
(3) Any retaining wall that shall alter the natural flow of stormwater runoff on the subject property or adjacent property shall require a permit from the Township Engineer. ... (3) Drainage weep holes must be installed in all walls over 30 inches high. ... (7) Any type of wall over 30 inches high or series of walls which the sum of the heights of all walls on the same slope is over 30 inches h...
Material Restrictions
In Howell Township, § 188-225B prohibits razor wire fencing, permits chain link only with landscaping approved by the appropriate board, and requires walls and fences to match the style, materials and colors of the principal building. These are Article XXV nonresidential design standards; fence heights on residential lots are set separately in § 188-12.
Howell Township Fence Material Rules in Design Standards
Some RestrictionsHowell Township Code § 188-225
B. Fences. Walls and fences shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials and colors of the principal building on the same lot. Front yards may have the following treatments: brick walls with a stone or cast stone cap, wood or synthetic picket fences, and decorative metal or cast-iron fences. Razor wire fencing is prohibited. Chain link fencing shall be permissible with the appr...