6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Union County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Fence height limits are set by municipal zoning codes in Union County. Typical NJ limits: 6 ft rear/side yards, 3–4 ft front yards. Pool fencing must meet NJ Barrier Subcode (48 inches minimum).
Most Union County municipalities require zoning permits for fence installation. Under NJ UCC, fences generally do not require a building permit under 6 ft, but zoning permits are typically required.
New Jersey has no statutory fence cost-sharing requirement. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. NJ common law recognizes the spite fence doctrine, allowing courts to order removal of malicious fences.
Elizabeth and Union County municipalities require building permits for retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) per N.J.A.C. 5:23. Engineered plans required for walls over 4 ft or with surcharge.
NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14) mandates minimum 4-ft pool barriers. Elizabeth and most Union County towns require 5-ft fences with self-closing, self-latching gates. Mandatory at pool permit inspection.
Union County municipalities regulate fence materials through local zoning. Elizabeth Chapter 20.84 permits wood, vinyl, chain-link (with restrictions), and wrought iron in residential zones; barbed wire prohibited except on industrial properties along NJ Turnpike/Routes 1-9. Westfield and Summit restrict chain-link in front yards. Cranford Historic Preservation Commission reviews fences in the North Avenue Historic District. Good-side-out rule is standard across Union County. Elizabeth allows barbed/razor wire on Bayway industrial sites with Fire Department approval.
3 cities in Union 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 Union County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Union County Ordinance Hub →