Bloomfield, NJ Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

Bloomfield Township sets two retaining wall triggers in Chapter 315, Land Development and Zoning. The first is in the fence and wall standards: § 315-30(E)(3)(h) says any retaining wall 48 inches or greater in height shall require a building permit. Under § 315-52(B) the Construction Official issues building permits, and no construction work can start on a regulated structure before then.

The second trigger sits in the steep slope subsection, § 315-30(Q), which covers soil disturbance and the construction of structures, roads, retaining walls and parking lots in areas of steep slopes. There, all retaining walls over four feet in height at any point must be designed by a New Jersey licensed professional engineer and are subject to review and approval of the Municipal Engineer prior to the issuance of any construction permits. A steep slope application must show the locations of any retaining walls on the lot grading plan, and it must include plan profiles, cross sections and details giving each wall's height, top and bottom elevations, materials, proposed plantings and safety barriers, and the calculations of earth and hydrostatic pressures and surcharges.

Existing structures are exempt from the steep slope subsection as long as they are maintained in good order, but major renovations or replacement must be presented to the Planning Board. Relief from the subsection is cognizable under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(c), with jurisdiction in the Zoning Board of Adjustments unless the Planning Board is otherwise granted jurisdiction. A retaining wall of four feet or less in height is not a "fence" under § 315-43(A), the section that requires a zoning permit for fences in excess of 18 inches. Separately, a soil permit application under Chapter 484 that proposes a retaining wall of any height needs an unqualified certification from a licensed professional engineer under § 484-6(D).