by Boyd Loving
Ridgewood NJ, on Wednesday night, 04/07, members of the Ridgewood Village Council will discuss the possibility of changing existing zoning ordinances to permit six (6) foot high fencing along the SIDE and REAR yards of any single-family or multi-family residential dwelling. Line of sight height restrictions would still be placed on the erection of fencing adjacent to street corners. Existing residential property zoning ordinances in Ridgewood limit fencing height to four (4) feet unless a regulated pool is being enclosed, or if the residential property abuts a property developed primarily for non-residential use.
Here are the restrictions pertaining to residential fencing in communities contiguous to Ridgewood:
Glen Rock – four (4) feet
Hawthorne – six (6) feet
Ho-Ho-Kus – six (6) feet
Midland Park – five (5) feet
Paramus – six (6) feet
Waldwick – four (4) feet [six (6) feet with pool]
Washington Township – six (6) feet
Wyckoff – six (6) feet
What is your opinion of six (6) foot fencing becoming the new norm?
yes.
I have an (grandfathered) 8 foot stone retaining wall surrounding my driveway. Current code does not allow me to put a fence on top of that wall because the height of the wall is included with the fence. So, I can either apply for a variance – which requires engineering in this case so would cost thousands, or live with an 8′ drop from my backyard to the pavement below. Nice regulation there…
Yes. We make great neighbors who don’t want to be able to see you when you’re sunbathing or having guests over, and vice-versa.
This odd local nonsense about not being able to have a proper fence or hedgerow on your own property is baffling.
Just wait until the crime rate increases under this administration, we will soon want 8ft fences with razor wire.
I think the important question here is, HOW HIGH CAN DEER JUMP? I’d love to invest in more landscaping, have a veggie garden but why bother when my 4 legged neighbors are going to eat it?
Going to look ugly as shit soon. Tall fences cross crossing their way through our lovely yards
That 6 foot white vinyl opaque fencing is the most desirable for those seeking complete privacy. It’s also the cheapest in comparison to wood, steel, aluminum, or wrought iron. So, that’s what to expect seeing a lot of if the rules change. Looking like shit we will be.
Deer can easily jump over a 6 foot fence. In Morris and Somerset counties, most fences are 8 feet high and at that height only a very strong buck can clear the height.
The current code should be changed to allow for a six foot high fence in any circumstance. A four foot high fence does nothing for privacy, security or safety.
I love my fence and shrubs because I walk around my backyard in the nude. Oh yes
Locks on your doors, fences around the property, but open borders to the south.
Too high. Those white plastic fences are incredibly tacky. I should know because my neighbors put one up and it is far more in my line of vision than theirs.
In addition, at least three times I have found a large deer at that fence unable to get over it because of my plantings and had to clap and yell it to the street. In previous years it would have wandered off my property and eaten other people’s expensive shrubs instead of just mine. I now pay just under $100/month all year long for a spray that deer do not like (it doesn’t hurt them).
I would have loved to have had a six foot fence in my yard. We had zero privacy in our yard.
UPDATE: The proposal was discussed during the meeting noted above. The majority of Council members seem to be in favor of such a change. However, at the recommendation of Village Attorney Matthew Rogers, the matter will be scheduled for Planning Board review. Additionally, the police department will be consulted with regard to possible security issues (reduced visibility).
Allow a 6 foot WOOD fence.
Not the ugly plastic fences.
I’d gladly put up a 6 foot wood fence since my new neighbors ‘clear cut’ their hedges and bushes in order to cram in some monster play thing for their rug rats on their postage stamp sized lot.
Also, these monster play things (swing slide etc combo) have found their way into FRONT yards close to the street.
How come there is NO ENFORCEMENT? the legal setbacks from the street need to be complied with as ANY structure. same for sheds
We need a deer hunt/cull. It is amazing how we bitch about tax increases but gladly let the deer destroy millions in landscaping.
Definitely in favor of the 6 ft fences. It will allow privacy for both home owners and adjacent neighbors. Our town can maintain the community feel by actively engaging and connecting with our neighbors. Would also recommend looking into how safety is preserved in neighboring towns who currently have 6 ft fences, review the data to see if crime rate increased there or whether the town has become less safe because of higher fences. Likely this is not the case. Another suggestion is to send an electronic survey to residents prior to changes being made to have a better understanding of where the majority stands. For example, there were discussions regarding complaints about cars parked on backyard grass at last night’s meeting. Prior to making this change, it would be helpful to survey the residents to determine if the complaints are reflective of the majority of residents or only a few. The 6 ft fences could address this issue. Homeowners should be given an opportunity to weigh in and vote for or against changes to ordinances and evaluate how these changes will impact them, prior to finalizing decisions.
spend some money on high shrubbery and your privacy issues will be solved. don’t be cheap and make the town look cheap with 6 foot white plastic walls
Sheesh – you want 6ft fences but now they have to be of a certain caliber? – no white plastic – And It costs more money to maintain shrubbery even thou it does looks really nice…..
Most of housers have vinyl sidings.
Any updates on when the Planning Board review will take place? So tiered of fighting with deer over the invested shrubbery. LOL Our house is by the park, so yes… that 4ft leap over is a joke!
Oh and one more thing. I will assume that all Planning Board members/voters are Ridgewood residents themselves, correct? Because it would be foolish to have lets say Paramus resident (with 6 foot fence in his yard) to vote in favor of keeping the 4 foot restriction for our town.
Anyone know if the planning board discussed this matter at the July 6th 2021 meeting?
Any development on this? If not is there an eta on when it will be discussed at council meeting next?
Looks like planning board discussed at 9/27 meeting.
“ Discussion re: fence ordinance – Ms. Bucci-Carter explained the changes made in the draft ordinance following the previous discussion. The current regulations would remain except that a six-foot fence, with the top 12” remaining 50% open, would be permitted in the rear and side yards. Board members suggested taking out the requirement that the top foot be 50% open. Board members asked how the rear yard was defined and where the six-foot fence would be permitted on a corner lot. The matter will continue at a future meeting.”
Still not resolved.
Has there been a final decision regarding this matter?
Is this the latest regulation?
“The current regulations would remain except that a six-foot fence, with the top 12” remaining 50% open, would be permitted in the rear and side yards.”
Is this correct?
I think a rule against types of ugly fence (like plastic) would be helpful. High shrubs work well too, we have had a wall of tall evergreens around our backyard with a pool for decades. Looks great
6ft makes sense…who decided on 4ft and what is the purpose of 4ft??