Neighbor Fence Rules: Edison vs New Brunswick
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Edison, NJ and New Brunswick, NJ?
Edison and New Brunswick have similar restriction levels.
Edison, NJ
Middlesex County
Edison's Chapter 37 requires fences to be built entirely on the owner's property - no joint or boundary-straddling fences are authorized in code. Boundary and good-side disputes are private civil matters between neighbors and the Township does not adjudicate them.
View full Edison rules →New Brunswick, NJ
Middlesex County
Middlesex County has no boundary-fence or neighbor ordinance. Shared-fence disputes fall under municipal zoning and New Jersey common law, so resolve them through your town or private agreement.
View full New Brunswick rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edison | New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary Rule | Fence must be entirely on applicant's lot | - |
| Good-Side Rule | Not codified in Edison Ch. 37 | - |
| Boundary Disputes | Private civil action; Township does not mediate | - |
| Survey Authority | Licensed NJ Land Surveyor (N.J.S.A. 45:8) | - |
| Right-of-Way | Encroachment removable at owner expense | - |
| Court Venue | Middlesex Vicinage Superior Court | - |
| County neighbor rule | - | None |
| Placement rules | - | Set by your town |
| Disputes | - | Civil / municipal |
| Legal basis | - | NJ MLUL 40:55D |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edison FAQ
Do I have to face the good side of my Edison fence toward my neighbor?
Edison's Chapter 37 does not impose a 'good side out' rule, so finished-side orientation is not separately enforced by the Township. It is a common neighborly courtesy in New Jersey, and some homeowner association covenants require it, but as a matter of municipal code Edison is silent on the question.
My neighbor's new fence is on my property - what should I do?
Edison will not mediate boundary disputes. Order a current survey from a licensed NJ Land Surveyor to confirm the line, then attempt a written agreement with the neighbor; if that fails, file a trespass or ejectment action in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex Vicinage. Township zoning enforcement only acts if the fence encroaches into the public right-of-way.
New Brunswick FAQ
Does Middlesex County have a shared-fence law?
No. Fence placement is governed by municipal zoning; cost and boundary disputes fall under private agreement or New Jersey civil law.
Who decides which side of the fence faces out?
Your municipality. Many Middlesex towns require the finished side face outward; check your local zoning ordinance.
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