Howell, NJ Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Fence approvals in Howell Township run through the Land Use Officer in the Township's land use office, which reviews applications for zoning permits and grants or denies them under the zoning ordinances. The fee schedule in Chapter 139, Article XVII, § 139-31, lists the fees for land use review and approval, and subsection C sets the land use certificate for fences at $50. The same section prices an individual plot plan certificate at $85 and an outdoor display of goods certificate at $30. A second charge applies to tall fences: § 139-86, the building, plumbing, electrical and fire subcode fee section, lists fences over six feet in height at $80 among its other fees, alongside $65 for new pool barriers.

The substantive permit rule appears in § 188-12(B). Fences and walls built before that section's date that do not conform to the setback provisions, or that stand in the Township right-of-way, are permitted only if the property owner can produce a valid Township permit for placement and construction. An owner who cannot produce one must relocate the fence at their own cost and expense. If a fence in the right-of-way has to move for a road widening project or similar activity, it is removed or relocated at the owner's expense, and land to be dedicated to the Township must be free of obstructions in the right-of-way before dedication.

Mail boxes, telephone poles and other public utilities are excluded. Applicants for other Township approvals, such as an eruv under § 188-17.1, are told to obtain additional permits including fence permits when the Township requires them.