Fence Regulations in Paterson, NJ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Paterson caps residential fences at 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards, with a 30-inch limit inside the corner-lot sight triangle.
Paterson Fence Height Limits Front, Side, Rear
Some RestrictionsCity of Paterson Land Development Ordinance § 500-3.13 (Municipal Code ch. 483)
No fence shall be in excess of 4 feet in height in the front yard and a maximum of 6 feet in height in the side and rear yard in any district... On any corner lot, no fence, structure, planting or shrubbery over 30 inches in height above the level of the pavement shall be erected or maintained within the triangle formed by the intersecting street lines and a straight line adjoining said street ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Paterson's zoning ordinance requires a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Officer before any structure, which includes fences, is erected, extended or altered.
Paterson Zoning Permit Needed Before Fence Work
Some RestrictionsCity of Paterson Land Development Ordinance § 300-1.1 (Municipal Code ch. 483)
No building or structure shall be erected, moved, extended, or altered, nor shall any excavation, demolition or other land improvement take place without a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Officer. No Zoning Permit shall be issued in the City of Paterson unless that action is in complete conformity with this, and all other applicable ordinances, statutes and ...
Retaining Walls
Paterson charges a flat construction-permit fee for small residential retaining walls and a cost-based fee for larger or non-residential walls, and requires existing walls stay in good repair.
Paterson Retaining Wall Permit Fees
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 183-5F
Fees for retaining walls shall be as follows: (1) A retaining wall with a surface area greater than 550 square feet that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall have a flat fee of $189. (2) A retaining wall with a surface area of 549 square feet or less that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall have a flat fee of $95. (3) A newly constructed retaini...
Material Restrictions
Paterson bars solid or sheet-metal fencing in front yards, front fences must be at least 60% open, and bans razor coil on any fence, anywhere in the city.
Paterson Fence Material Rules: Sheet Metal, Razor Coil
Some RestrictionsCity of Paterson Land Development Ordinance § 500-3.13 (Municipal Code ch. 483)
No solid fence shall be erected in the front yard setback area as established by this Ordinance. Solid, perforated, corrugated or flat sheet metal shall be prohibited for use as a fencing material. Fences in the front yard setback area shall have a minimum of 60% open construction... The use of razor coil on fencing is prohibited.
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.
Fence Regulations in Passaic County →