Monroe Township (Gloucester County), NJ Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The wall rule sits in § 175-117.1, Lot grading and drainage, among the performance standards in Subsection F. Subsection F(9) says retaining walls over three feet in height must be designed and then reviewed and approved by the Engineer. The section applies to the development of all lots in the Township for residential purposes, which covers construction, reconstruction or relocation of a residential structure, an enlargement or accessory structure with a land disturbance of 500 square feet or more, and an in-ground swimming pool.

The grading standards around the wall are specific. No grading can occur within five feet of a property line unless necessary to direct drainage off or onto the property, slopes cannot be steeper than three horizontal to one vertical, and the top of block elevation must be a minimum of six inches above the highest adjacent grade. The lot grading plan must be signed and sealed by an engineer licensed by the State of New Jersey, and any proposed impervious surface within five feet of a property line needs a lot grading waiver application. The determination of a waiver costs $50.

Under Subsection F(12), the permittee can request a waiver of a particular performance standard with reasonable justification, and the Engineer can issue an administrative change if it does not violate the intent of the ordinance. Fees are set in Chapter 74, Fees. For developments, the applicant deposits a performance escrow of $2,000 per lot up to 25 lots plus an inspection escrow of $650 per dwelling unit.

Separately, § 104-18(C)(1)(a) sets the construction permit fee for retaining walls greater than 550 square feet associated with a Class III structure at $210, and $106 for walls of 550 square feet or less. Retaining walls in other than Class III structures are based on cost of construction. Section 144-77 adds that retaining walls involving fill in floodways must meet § 144-36A and N.J.A.C. 7:13.