Township of Springfield, NJ Article XVII Fences, Hedges and Walls

§ 215-87 Compliance with regulations.

Fences, hedges or walls may be erected, altered or reconstructed in any district in accordance with the following regulations and in accordance with all other provisions of these land use chapters.

§ 215-88 Projection restricted.

Fences, hedges and walls cannot project past the front wall of the building or the side wall of a corner building, except as noted below.

§ 215-89 Location at intersections restricted.

A. At or near an intersection of two or more streets, no fence, hedge, wall, shrubbery or other similar matter shall be permitted to obstruct the view of motorists traveling on either intersecting street, regardless of the regulation specified below.

B. In the case of fences, walls or hedges in the front yard, the height of same shall not be more than 36 inches, except on corner lots where it shall not be more than 30 inches. These height limitations shall be applicable within the sight triangle easement lines, as set forth in Chapter 185, Subdivision of Land, § 185-22G.

§ 215-90 Other height restrictions.

A. Fences, hedges, walls and shrubbery running parallel to the front property line may be erected, altered or reconstructed to a height not to exceed six feet above ground level.

B. Fences, hedges, walls and shrubbery running parallel to side or rear yard lines may be erected, altered or reconstructed to a height not to exceed six feet above ground level.

C. In no case shall the six-foot fence project past the required or existing front setback line of the building. The purpose of this requirement is to maintain clear sight distance for safety of vehicular traffic movements in and out of driveways.

D. In no case shall a fence, hedge or wall be permitted unless the Zoning Officer determines that such fence, hedge or wall does not impair the necessary visibility required for safe traffic movement.

§ 215-91 Open wire fencing on public premises.

The foregoing restrictions shall not be applied so as to prevent the erection of an open wire fence not exceeding eight feet above ground level anywhere within a public park, public playground, school premises or utility operation, or in the rear or side of a business or industrial zone.

§ 215-92 Erection within property lines; encroachment.

All fences, hedges, walls and shrubbery must be erected within the property lines. No fence, hedge, wall or shrubbery shall be erected so as to encroach upon a public right-of-way.

§ 215-93 Maintenance.

It shall be the responsibility of the lot owner to maintain all fences, hedges, walls and shrubbery in a safe, sound and upright condition.

§ 215-94 Unsafe fences and walls; notice to remove or repair.

If the Construction Code Official, upon inspection, determines that any fence or wall, or any portion of any fence or wall, is not being maintained in a safe, sound or upright condition, (s)he shall notify the owner of such fence or wall, in writing, of such findings and state briefly the reasons therefor and order such fence or wall, or portion thereof, repaired or removed within 15 days of the date of the written notice.

§ 215-95 Walls for retaining earth excepted.

The above restrictions shall not be applied so as to restrict the erection of a wall for the purpose of retaining earth.