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🧱 Fence Regulations/Retaining Walls

Englewood vs Ridgewood

How do retaining walls rules compare between Englewood, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?

Englewood has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.

Englewood, NJ

Bergen County

Some Restrictions

Englewood treats retaining walls under fence height limits and requires detailed engineering submittals for site plan review.

View full Englewood rules →

Ridgewood, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

Ridgewood requires zoning permits for any retaining wall over two feet tall, with engineered drawings, soil reports, and grading plans signed by a licensed New Jersey professional engineer for review by the Village Engineer.

View full Ridgewood rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactEnglewoodRidgewood
Residential height cap6.5 feet-
Park/stadium cap8 feet-
Site plan submittalProfiles and cross sections-
Required calculationsStructural design-
Permit threshold-Over 2 feet tall
PE seal-Required NJ-licensed engineer
Major walls-Escrow deposit required
Reviewer-Village Engineer

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Englewood FAQ

Are retaining walls regulated like fences in Englewood?

Yes. Englewood applies the same 6.5-foot height limit to retaining walls in one-family residence districts as to fences.

What plans does Englewood require for retaining walls?

Site plan submittals must include height, elevations, materials, profiles, cross sections, plantings, safety barriers, and structural design calculations.

Ridgewood FAQ

When does a Ridgewood retaining wall need a permit?

Any retaining wall taller than two feet requires a zoning permit. Walls two feet or less in height are generally exempt from the permit requirement, though grading rules may still apply.

Why do I need a professional engineer for a retaining wall?

Ridgewood requires sealed engineering drawings, soil reports, and grading plans so the Village Engineer can confirm the wall is structurally sound and won't harm drainage or neighboring properties.

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