7 rules for unincorporated Rockland County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Rockland town codes typically limit residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences (up to 8 feet) allowed around pools or with variance. Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown zoning codes set specific dimensions.
Most Rockland towns require building permits for fences over 4 feet or in certain zones. Ramapo, Clarkstown, and Orangetown require permit applications with site plan showing setbacks and property lines. Fees typically 50 to 150 dollars.
NY follows the common-law good neighbor rule; finished side of fence must face adjoining properties in most Rockland towns. Shared boundary fences require consent or written agreement. NY RPAPL 843 governs spite fence disputes.
Rockland County towns require building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet per the NY Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Orangetown require engineered plans stamped by a NYS-licensed PE for taller walls or surcharge loads.
Rockland County pool barriers must comply with NY Uniform Code §326.4 and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Barriers must be 48 inches minimum with self-closing, self-latching gates. Rockland County Department of Health enforces additional standards.
Rockland town codes require clear sight triangles at corner lots and driveway approaches. Typical requirement is no structure, fence, or vegetation over 30 inches within a 25 to 30 foot triangle from intersecting curb lines. Applies to all town and county roads.
Rockland towns permit wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and ornamental iron fences. Historic districts like Nyack and Piermont restrict materials to wood or traditional iron. Finished side generally must face neighbors per most town codes.
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