Fence Regulations in Plainfield, NJ (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Plainfield, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the City of Plainfield, a residential front yard fence cannot exceed four feet and at least 50% of it must be nonsolid and open, while residential side and rear yard fences top out at six feet. Nonresidential front yards allow six feet, and no fence can stand in a sight triangle or create a traffic hazard.
Fence Height Limits in Plainfield, NJ
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-29
A. Front Yards. ... 1. In residential zone districts, fences shall be permitted to be located in front yards, provided such fences shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, as measured from ground level, and shall be constructed so that at least fifty percent (50%) thereof is nonsolid and open. ... 2. In nonresidential zone districts, fences and decorative walls may be erected in the front yard...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the City of Plainfield, every fence and wall is a structure that needs an approved development permit before construction. The applicant submits surveys, plans and details to the Zoning Officer, who determines whether the fence conforms to zoning. Fences over six feet that are not part of a pool barrier carry a flat $80 fee.
Fence Permit Requirements in Plainfield, NJ
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-29
Fences and walls shall be permitted in all districts, but shall be considered structures requiring an approved development permit prior to construction. Adequate surveys, plans and details are to be submitted to the Zoning Officer in accordance with Article I in order for a determination to be made as to the proposed fence zoning conformance. Fences and walls shall be subject to the following p...
Retaining Walls
In the City of Plainfield, a retaining wall is a wall that needs an approved development permit before construction. Decorative and retaining walls in a residential front yard cannot exceed two and one half feet, and the City can require a proposed retaining wall to go to the City Engineer for review before the permit issues.
Retaining Wall Rules in Plainfield, NJ
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-29
Fences and walls shall be permitted in all districts, but shall be considered structures requiring an approved development permit prior to construction. ... Decorative and retaining walls are permitted to be located in front yards in residential zone districts, provided they shall not exceed two and one half (2-1/2) feet in height, as measured from ground level. ... E. Drainage. Fences and deco...
Material Restrictions
In the City of Plainfield, no fence or wall can be built with barbed wire or metal spikes, topped with concertina or razor wire, or finished with broken bottles or similar materials dangerous to humans or animals. Chain link is prohibited in every front yard and in residential side and rear yards, and the finished side must face outward.
Prohibited Fence Materials in Plainfield, NJ
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-29
3. Chain link fences shall be prohibited in front yards in all zone districts. ... 3. Chain link fences shall be prohibited in side and rear yards of residential properties. C. Finished Exterior Side. All fences or walls shall be constructed so that the finished side, with no fully exposed structurally supporting members, is located on the exterior facing outward away from the property upon whi...
Looking for Union County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Plainfield city rules.
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