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

Section 108-8.2.A governs every fence erected, altered or reconstructed in any zone in the Township of Monroe. The front yard rule is an open fence not exceeding three feet above ground level. The code defines an open fence as one in which at least 2/3 of the area between grade level and the top cross member is open. On a lot of six or more acres of farmland the open front yard fence can be five feet, and fences in any side or rear yard area cannot exceed six feet above ground level.

The exceptions are narrow. In residential zones, on corner lots only, a six foot fence can go in the front yard parallel to the side of the building. It must be set back at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way for lots in the R-5, R-7.5, R-10 and R-20 Zones, and at least 15 feet in the R-30, R-60 or R-3A Zones, and the Township Engineer must certify that the fence does not encroach on the required site triangle. Open wire fences up to eight feet are allowed in rear or side yards in any commercial or industrial zone district, and within public park, public playground or public school properties. Fences enclosing commercial or private club pools follow § 108-12.31 of the chapter, and fences specifically required elsewhere in the article follow their own sections.

Sight distance is handled in a different section. Under § 108-5.5, no hedge, fence, screening strip or wall higher than 30 inches above curb level, and no other obstruction to vision except a post not exceeding one foot in diameter, is allowed inside the triangle formed at street intersections by points 50 feet along the street lines for Township streets. Middlesex County sets the distance for county roads and the New Jersey Department of Transportation for state roads. Fences for single-family residential properties, other than a major subdivision or site plan, do not need site plan approval under § 108-8.2.H.