Galloway Township, NJ Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Finished side
- Must face outward
- Front setback
- 20 feet
- Barbed/concertina wire
- Prohibited (residential)
- Boundary disputes
- State law, not township
- Best practice
- Survey the line first
Summary
Galloway Township requires the finished side of a fence to face outward toward the neighbor or street, and fences must stay 20 feet back from the front property line. New Jersey treats a fence on the boundary as a shared responsibility between owners.
Concertina or barbed wire fences are not permitted except as part of an agricultural or governmental use and public utilities.
(e) Electrical fences used for agricultural purposes must post warnings at least every 100 feet on the fence, where the public could have access to such fence. The minimum required height for electrical fences is two feet above grade. In accordance with the "recommended guidelines for home animal agriculture in residential areas" as published by Rutgers University, electric fences may be used for interior partition fences, but not for exterior fences.
(12) Small wind energy systems and solar energy systems in accordance with the standards in Subsection H below. [Added 4-22-2008 by Ord. No. 1754 ]
(13) Home professional office in accordance with the standards in Subsection I , below. [Added 6-25-2013 by Ord. No. 1873 ]
F. Space, bulk, area and yard requirements.
(1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4814540; v36 updated 2026-03-10; through 03-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 233, a residential fence must present its finished (smooth) side outward, so the neighbor sees the polished face rather than posts and rails. Fences must also maintain a 20-foot setback from the front property line. Galloway's zoning rules govern placement, height, and material; boundary and cost-sharing disputes between neighbors are handled under New Jersey common law and the state's fence statutes rather than by the township. Owners are encouraged to confirm the property line by survey before building on or near it.
Violations & Fines
A fence with the finished side facing inward or built inside the front setback is a zoning violation; Code Enforcement can require the owner to reverse, move, or remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets the 'good side' of the fence?
Can I put up a barbed-wire fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Galloway Township
Compare Galloway Township to another location·View the New Jersey fence regulations overview
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