6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Fence height limits in Hudson County are regulated exclusively by individual municipalities through their zoning and land use codes. There are no countywide fence height standards. Typical residential fence limits across Hudson County municipalities are 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear/side yards, but requirements vary by zoning district and municipality.
Fence permits in Hudson County are required by most municipalities and are issued at the municipal level through the local construction and zoning offices. There is no county-level fence permit process. New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) governs when construction permits are required, though many jurisdictions exempt low fences from permits.
Disputes between neighbors over fences in Hudson County are governed by New Jersey property law and municipal ordinances. New Jersey's spite fence law (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10) allows courts to order removal of fences built maliciously. The property owner on whose land the fence stands typically bears maintenance responsibility, but shared boundary fences may involve shared costs under NJ common law.
Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing) require a construction permit in Hudson County under the NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Walls supporting surcharge loads need permits at any height. Jersey City Heights and the Palisades area see frequent retaining wall permit applications.
Hudson County residential pools must comply with the NJ Swimming Pool Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2A, 2018 ISPSC). Minimum 48-inch barrier, self-closing/self-latching gate (latch 54+ inches high), openings under 4 inches. Many Hudson County towns require 5-foot fences. Required at permit issuance and enforced year-round.
Hudson County municipalities regulate fence materials through local zoning codes. Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and aluminum are standard in residential zones. Chain-link is commonly restricted in front yards. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential areas. Historic districts in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Bayonne have strict material review through Historic Preservation Commissions.
4 cities in Hudson County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Hudson County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Hudson County Ordinance Hub →