How To Get a Fence Permit In Scotch Plains, New Jersey

White pvc arbor and picket fence which require a zoning fence permit in Scotch Plains, NJ

Are you worrying about how to get a fence permit in Scotch Plains, New Jersey? Filling out home improvement paperwork can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be!

This post will answer all of your questions and help you meet town codes.

Questions? Give us a call at (973) 779-4540. 

Do You Need A Fence Permit In Scotch Plains?

First thing is first: Do you even need a fence permit in Scotch Plains? 

The answer is, yes! All types of fencing require some type of permit in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. 

What Type Of Permit Do You Need For a Fence In Scotch Plains?

It depends on what type of fence you want to install. 

Pool Fencing

Pool fences almost always need a construction permit in the state of New Jersey. This applies to Scotch Plains. If you are installing a pool and a pool fence, you need to fill out the UCC forms. 

There are a lot of rules that go along with pool code fences. Most towns in New Jersey require that they are a certain height. Other common qualifications for pool fences include: 

  • Self-closing gates
  • Self-latching gates
  • Impossible to climb styles

If this is the type of fence you want to build, please call the township of Scotch Plains or head over to the town hall (COVID-precautions permitting) to start the process.

430 Park Avenue 
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

You can also start the process by filling out the following forms and bringing them with you:

UCC Form #100 Construction Permit Application

UCC Form #110 Building Subcode Technical Section

All Other Fences

As long as your fence isn’t for a pool barrier, you just need a zoning permit. Zoning permits are typically easy to fill out. 

Scotch Plains is one of those towns that makes it really easy to fill out the zoning permit application. You can find it online on their website, but we’ve included a link to their fence permit here as well to make it easier for you.

Filling Out A Fence Zoning Permit

Filling out paperwork with your town can be a daunting task, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be! This zoning permit application for your fence is really simple to complete yourself.

In Scotch Plains, the first thing you need to fill out is the date of the application. On the same line, it also asks for your Block, Lot, and Zone. If you don’t know these details off the top of your head, you can oftentimes find them online or on your survey or other paperwork pertaining to your home. If you’re unsure, leave them blank and the zoning office can help you. 

Skip the second line that asks for Permit Number and Date Issued and go straight to your contact information on the third line. This includes the property owner’s name, phone number, and address.

The next thing you have to do is indicate who is installing the fence. This will either be you or a contractor, like Artistic Fence. 

Finally, you can finish up the application with a description of your fence. For example, you can write: “Installation of 150ft of 6ft tall white PVC fence.” You will mark where it’s going on your survey, so this amount of detail should suffice. 

What Else Do I Need?

You will need to submit two other items along with your completed application form. 

Close up of a property survey on a messy desk

The first item you will need to submit is a copy of your property survey. Make sure you use a copy, not your original. You need to mark your copy up with the location and description of your proposed fence.

The second item you will need is your contractors’ Home Improvement Contractor’s License. If your contractor does not have this or gives you a hard time when you ask for it, find someone else to install your fence!

If you are installing the fence yourself, you obviously don’t need that. Just submitting a copy of your property survey is enough.

Fence Codes In Scotch Plains, New Jersey 

Now that you know what type of permit you need, you can go over what type of fencing is even allowed at your Scotch Plains property.

All non-pool code fences in Scotch Plains need to adhere to the town codes. 

You can find Scotch Plains’ fence codes along with the zoning application. We’ve also included them below so you can quickly scan them without opening up another tab:

  1. Maximum height restriction of 4 – 6 feet
  2. The “good” or finished side of the fence must face out (e.g. the horizontal bars on a stockade fence are considered the “bad” side)
  3. Other than barbed wire, there are no restrictions as to the type of fencing material installed
  4. All fences must be maintained in good repair
  5. On most corner lots there is a 25 foot “Sight Triangle” where the fence may be no higher than 2 feet in height. 

Deer Fencing

Scotch Plains has quote a few codes that are specific to deer fences. Deer fence codes are as followed: 

  • Maximum post height: 8.6 feet
  • Maximum fence height: 8 feet
  • Fence posts poles may be dark brown, dark green, or block to blend in with landscaping
  • Deer fences can be erected in the front yard of a property in order to protect individual, isolated landscaping 

Install A Fence In Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Are you looking to install a fence at your property in Scotch Plains, New Jersey? The Good Fence People of Artistic Fence have been installing wood, vinyl/PVC, aluminum, and chain link fences  in the Scotch Plains area since the 1980’s!

Four foot tall wood fence style #220 installed in 2021 by Artistic Fence Company in northern New Jersey

Give us a call or fill out the form below to set up a free estimate appointment with Kim, Walt, Mary, John or any other of the Good Fence People that service the Scotch Plains area.

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