Paterson, NJ Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed for
- any structure, incl. fences
- Issuing office
- Zoning Officer
- Decision time
- 10 business days
- Source status
- unverified 2006/2016 Article III
Summary
Paterson's zoning ordinance requires a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Officer before any structure, which includes fences, is erected, extended or altered.
No building or structure shall be erected, moved, extended, or altered, nor shall any excavation, demolition or other land improvement take place without a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Officer. No Zoning Permit shall be issued in the City of Paterson unless that action is in complete conformity with this, and all other applicable ordinances, statutes and regulations. Application for the issuance of a Zoning Permit shall be made to the Zoning Officer.
B. Construction Permit. No Construction Permit shall be granted without submission of a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Officer.
C. Certificate of Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to use or occupy or to permit the use or occupancy of any building, structure or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter created, erected, changed, converted, altered or enlarged in its use or structure unless a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Officer certifying that the proposed use conforms to the requirements of this Ordinance. The Director of Community Improvements is responsible for the issuance of Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy following the issuance of a Zoning Permit by the Zoning officer.
�300-1.2 Application Materials.
The following application materials shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer in support of a request for a
Full Breakdown
§ 300-1.1(A) of the Land Development Ordinance, Article III, part of the unverified 2006 draft carried into the April 2016 codification, bars erecting, moving, extending or altering 'any building or structure' without a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Officer, and the ordinance defines 'structure' broadly as any combination of materials forming a construction, which covers fences. The Zoning Officer must issue or deny a permit within 10 business days. Because Article III has not been independently verified as current, confirm today's fence-permit practice and any fee with the Division of Planning and Zoning (125 Ellison St.) or the City Clerk before applying, rather than relying on the 2016 text alone.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a fence without a Zoning Permit is unpermitted construction; the Zoning Officer can deny a later permit or Certificate of Occupancy until the fence is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Paterson?
Who issues a Paterson fence permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.