Bergenfield, NJ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Borough Code § 186-45 sets three separate height ceilings depending on location and fence type. Anywhere in town, an open fence within 25 feet of the intersection of two street lines may not exceed 36 inches above curb level, and a solid fence in that same corner-visibility zone is capped at 30 inches, a rule aimed squarely at keeping sightlines clear for drivers approaching an intersection. Outside that corner zone, the general height limit is six feet above ground level for any fence in a business or residential zone.

Industrial zones get more latitude: fences there may rise to eight feet above ground level. The Construction Official enforces these limits and can order an owner to repair or remove a fence found unsafe, unsound, or out of an upright condition, giving 15 days' written notice to correct the problem. The ordinance carves out narrow exceptions elsewhere in the section: open wire fences up to eight feet are allowed in public parks, playgrounds, and school grounds regardless of zone, and retaining walls measured from the highest adjacent grade are not treated as fences for height purposes.

Any fence over two feet six inches requires a Construction Official permit (with Zoning Officer sign-off) before it goes up, altered, or reconstructed, and all fences must sit entirely within the property lines with no encroachment on public rights-of-way.