Middlesex County, NJ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

There is no Middlesex County fence ordinance. Fence regulation in New Jersey is delegated to municipalities through the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), and adopted as part of each town's zoning ordinance. Edison Township Code Chapter 37 (Zoning) prohibits fences over 6 feet in residential zones, restricts front-yard fences to 4 feet, and limits sight-triangle obstructions on corner lots to 3 feet. A rear fence may be increased to 8 feet only when the rear lot line abuts a non-residential zone. New Brunswick's Land Development Ordinance applies comparable 4 ft front / 6 ft side and rear standards. Fence permits are typically required through the local zoning officer; some towns also require a building permit under the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) for fences over 6 feet or for masonry walls. Sight-distance triangles at corner lots are required statewide as a matter of zoning practice. New Jersey has no statewide spite-fence statute; fences erected solely to annoy a neighbor may be challenged as a private nuisance in Superior Court. Pool barriers are governed separately by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14A) and require a minimum 4-foot self-latching barrier regardless of municipality. Always confirm setbacks, utility easements, and required permits with your municipal zoning office before installing.