Plainfield, NJ Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 17:9-29 of the Plainfield Municipal Code sets fence heights by yard and by zone type, measured from ground level. In residential zone districts, a front yard fence cannot exceed four feet, and at least fifty percent of it must be nonsolid and open. Board-on-board and stockade fences count as solid. Decorative and retaining walls in a residential front yard cannot exceed two and one half feet, and fence posts, corners, gateways, wall piers and entryways cannot exceed five feet. In nonresidential zone districts, fences and decorative walls can stand in the front yard at or behind the front setback line up to six feet, with posts and entryways up to seven feet.

Residential side and rear yards allow both solid and nonsolid fences up to six feet, decorative walls up to four feet, and posts, corners, gateways and entryways up to seven feet. Nonresidential side and rear yards allow decorative walls and fences up to six feet. Chain link fences are prohibited in front yards in all zone districts.

Two exceptions lift the limit. A buffer area screen approved as part of a site plan application is excepted from the height and location provisions, and fencing required to enclose a tennis court or racquetball court can reach twelve feet but cannot sit within a required setback area for accessory structures.

Corner lots carry a second limit. Under § 16:25-2, the owner or tenant of a corner lot in the City of Plainfield cannot construct or maintain a fence or other structure within twenty-five feet of the point of intersection of the nearer curb lines of the two intersecting streets that is more than two and one-half feet above the adjacent sidewalk elevation. Subsection F of § 17:9-29 separately bars any fence within a sight triangle or installed so as to constitute a hazard to traffic or public safety. Under § 16:25-3, the Council, on the recommendation of the Chief of Police, can grant a variance by resolution where strict application would cause undue hardship.