[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township
of Bridgewater 6-7-2018 by Ord.
No. 18-06. Amendments noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination
of materials erected to enclose, screen, or separate areas. A fence
shall include all gates. Fences shall be considered as being incidental
structures to a principal permitted use or to a principal permitted
structure or principal permitted building and are permitted in all
zones in accordance with the criteria set forth in this chapter.
An artificially constructed structure of any material or
combination of materials constructed between lands of different elevations
to effect a sudden grade change, stabilize the surfaces, prevent erosion
and/or protect structures. A retaining wall creating a change of grade
less than 48 inches at the maximum differential (top of wall to bottom
of wall) is not considered to be a structure.
A.
Location (setbacks) of fences shall be as follows:
(1)
A fence must be installed a minimum of six inches set back from the
property line and shall comply with the following:
(a)
No portion of the fence, including face, footing, foundation,
or posts, shall be installed over the property line or into the road
right-of-way.
(b)
No fence shall interfere with sight distance along any portion
of the road right-of-way or access easement.
(c)
No fence is permitted within an existing sight triangle.
(2)
No fence may encroach onto a public utility easement or public access
easement without the written permission of the Township Engineer and
a written agreement between the property owner and Township that is
to remain in perpetuity for the life of the fence, and must be recorded
in the Somerset County Clerk's office. At a minimum, a gate shall
be required on one side of the easement for access.
(3)
No fence shall encroach onto a conservation easement.
B.
Height of a fence shall be as follows:
(1)
The maximum height of a fence is six feet along the rear property
line. See Exhibit.
(2)
The maximum height of a fence is six feet along the side property
line if the fence terminates no less than three feet behind the front
of the principal building, excluding such projections as porches,
steps, bay and bow windows, patios and similar projections. The maximum
six-foot height may be continued from the side property line to the
principal building as long as it is no less than three feet behind
the front of the principal building. See Exhibit.
(3)
In all other areas of a lot, the maximum height of a fence is 48
inches and shall contain gaps of at least 50% of the width of the
solid vertical portion staggered in a manner similar to a picket fence.
See Exhibit.
(4)
Fences used to enclose nonresidential electrical supply stations
and mechanical facilities having energized electrical conductors or
equipment shall be a maximum of eight feet in height and shall be
effectively grounded.
(5)
Fences that are constructed on top of or in association with a retaining
wall shall be limited to four feet in height and shall comply with
all other applicable provisions of this chapter.
C.
Measurement of the height of a fence shall be as follows:
(1)
The height of a fence shall be measured from the lowest surface of
the ground to the highest point of the fence throughout its entire
length. See Exhibit.
(2)
For a fence placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined structure
shall be measured from the bottom elevation of the retaining wall
to the highest point of the fence. See Exhibit.
Design standards for fencing shall be as follows:
B.
Fence posts may be six inches higher than the fence.
C.
Fence installation shall not adversely affect drainage.
D.
Fences shall be constructed out of material customarily used for
fence construction.
E.
Fences or barriers surrounding swimming pools shall be consistent
with the currently adopted Building Codes in the State of New Jersey.
Waivers of minor deviations of this section may be granted through the site plan waiver process as found in § 126-137. No escrow fee is required. Waivers may be granted for such circumstances such as, but not limited to, an extension of a fence to abut a neighbor's existing fence installed along a property line.
