Stafford Township, NJ Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Fences in Stafford Township are governed by Township Code § 211-35, subsection X, which Ordinance No. 98-58 added on 8-18-1998. Subsection X(1) defines a fence or fencing as any wood, masonry, metal or aluminum structure, or any wall or hedges, constructed on the front, side or rear yard to shield, screen or protect a lot or part of a lot. Walls and hedges are therefore covered by the same rules as panels and pickets.

The material ban is X(2)(a)[7]. No fence shall be constructed with barbed wire, no fence shall be electrified, and no fence shall be topped with spikes, sharp points or any other dangerous object hazardous to persons or animals. The rule applies to every fence erected, rebuilt, renovated and maintained in a residential district of the Township, including the Manahawkin neighborhoods.

Finish is regulated as well. Under [6], a painted or stained fence must be one harmonious color throughout each individual lot and blend with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Under [5], the face or finished side points away from the property and the structural side faces the interior of the lot. A living fence, hedge or screen planting under [8] goes no closer than six inches to a property line and stays neatly trimmed.

Openness is a design standard too. Subsection X(2)(a)[3] defines see-through fencing as a fence with a consistent density of not greater than 50%, and X(5) requires fences in a residential front yard to be at least 50% open and see-through. On lagoon properties, [4] requires see-through fencing for a minimum of 15 feet from any bulkhead or rear property line along the side line, and the entire rear fence must be see-through. Subsection X(3) requires a fence permit from the Township Zoning Office for all fences except living fences.