Approved Materials: Edison vs New Brunswick
How do approved materials rules compare between Edison, NJ and New Brunswick, NJ?
New Brunswick has fewer restrictions than Edison.
Edison, NJ
Middlesex County
Chapter 37 prohibits any fence made of materials dangerous to persons or animals - barbed wire, electrified wire, and razor wire are not permitted in residential zones. Standard residential materials include wood, vinyl, PVC, chain link, aluminum, and decorative wrought iron.
View full Edison rules →New Brunswick, NJ
Middlesex County
Middlesex County has no rules on fence materials. Whether wood, vinyl, chain-link, or masonry is allowed and how open versus solid fencing is treated is set by your municipality.
View full New Brunswick rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edison | New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Edison Code Ch. 37 (Zoning) + Ch. 17 (Housing) | - |
| Prohibited - Residential | Barbed wire, electric wire, razor wire | - |
| Industrial Zones | Barbed/razor wire allowed atop fence (security) | - |
| Permitted Materials | Wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wrought iron | - |
| Maintenance | Required by Ch. 17 (property maintenance) | - |
| Hazard Standard | No sharp projections facing public sidewalk | - |
| County material rule | - | None |
| Open vs solid | - | Defined by town |
| Who regulates | - | Municipality |
| Legal basis | - | NJ MLUL 40:55D |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edison FAQ
Can I put barbed wire on top of my Edison residential fence?
No. Chapter 37 prohibits fence materials dangerous to persons or animals in residential zones, and the Zoning Officer applies that to bar barbed, electrified, and razor wire. The prohibition is lifted only in the I-1 and I-2 industrial zones where such materials may be used atop security fencing.
Is chain-link allowed in Edison front yards?
Yes, subject to the 4-foot front-yard height cap in Chapter 37. The chain-link must be installed with the smooth knuckled selvage at the top (raw twisted ends pointing up are treated as a hazard), and any privacy slats must keep the fence within the front-yard height limit.
New Brunswick FAQ
What fence materials are allowed in Middlesex County?
That is set by your municipality. Wood, vinyl, chain-link, and masonry are common, but each town's zoning code governs the specifics.
Are there rules on solid versus open fences?
Yes, but they are municipal. Many towns apply lower height limits to solid fences in front yards; check your local zoning code.
Compare other topics
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