Passaic, NJ Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited materials
- Barbed wire, razor wire, similar
- Scope
- All zoning districts
- Applies to
- Any fence or atop any wall
- Governing section
- Code of the City of Passaic § 317-50.A(2)
Summary
Passaic prohibits barbed wire, razor wire and similar material on any fence or atop any wall citywide under Code of the City of Passaic § 317-50.A(2). Standard solid, open, chain-link and wood fences remain allowed within the applicable height limits.
The use of barbed wire, razor wire or similar shall not be permitted on any fence or atop any wall.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
A alongside the citywide height rules. A(4)). Elsewhere in the code, junkyards and junk shops are instead required to screen from adjoining properties with a painted mason or metal fence eight feet in height (Chapter 217/junkyard licensing provisions), which underscores that even industrial and salvage uses in Passaic must rely on solid screening rather than barbed or razor wire toppers. A(1)(c) and (d), which permit solid fences or walls up to six or eight feet, rather than adding barbed or razor wire. The rule was carried forward through the 1987 and 1988 amendments to § 317-50 (Ord. Nos. 990-87 and 1025-88) and has not been narrowed since.
Violations & Fines
Installing or maintaining barbed wire, razor wire or similar material on a fence or wall is a zoning code violation subject to the administrative officer's enforcement powers under Article XII, including denial of a zoning permit, a notice of violation under § 317-68, and penalties under the City's general penalty chapter (Ch. 1, Art. II); removal of the prohibited material can be compelled regardless of any fine paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on top of my fence in Passaic?
Does the barbed-wire ban apply to commercial and industrial property too?
What can I use instead of barbed wire for extra fence height?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
Compare Passaic to another location·View the New Jersey fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle material restrictions.