Bloomfield, NJ Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Bloomfield Township sets its boundary fence rules in § 315-30(E) of the Land Development and Zoning chapter, part of the design standards the Township Council adopted. The section covers fences or walls in excess of 18 inches in height and treats them as accessory uses to a principal permitted use. Three subsections decide most disputes between neighbors. Subsection (3)(b) says the face or finished side of a fence or wall shall face the adjacent property, so the neighbor is the one who looks at the finished side. Subsection (3)(d) allows only one fence along a property line and places it within the setback limits on each respective property, subject to any other restrictions, so two owners cannot each put up a parallel fence along the same line. Subsection (3)(f) requires fences and walls to be maintained, painted or otherwise kept in good repair, which makes upkeep a code duty of the owner.

Height and location are not decided in that section. Subsection (2) sends those questions to § 315-43. Section 315-43 requires a zoning permit for a fence in excess of 18 inches in height, except decorative split rail fences at property corners. No fence can exceed six feet in height, and fences in excess of four feet are permitted in the rear yard only. No fence can encroach upon a public right-of-way. A nonconforming fence can be maintained or repaired only after partial destruction, which the code defines as the retention of more than half the posts. The administrative officer administers and enforces § 315-43.