Fence Installation Permits in Paterson

Local Rule

City of Paterson Division of Community Development / Zoning and Building Inspections

Paterson maintains its own Zoning Permit Application specifically for fence installation, consistent with the statewide New Jersey pattern in which the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) does not require a building permit for an ordinary fence unless it serves as a pool barrier, but virtually every municipality still requires a separate zoning permit for any new fence, regardless of height or material. The general New Jersey pattern is 6 feet maximum for front-yard fences, up to 8 feet for backyard fences, and up to 6 feet for side/rear yard fences, though exact figures for Paterson specifically were not independently confirmed. Confirm current height limits and the zoning permit process with Paterson's Division of Community Development before relying on it.

Source · Verified September 2026

Paterson Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Passaic County

Paterson's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Municipal (varies by municipality)

Passaic County has no fence permitting authority of its own; each municipality regulates fences under its own zoning ordinance. The City of Passaic permits fences up to 4 feet in height generally and up to 6 feet across the rear lot line, and property owners seeking to encroach beyond the standard dimensional requirements can apply to the Zoning Officer for an encroachment permit.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Paterson with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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