North Haledon City Zoning Code

An open-type fence not more than four feet in height and not more than 50% solid as defined in this section may be constructed in the above-mentioned triangular area.

Trees whose branches are trimmed away to a height of at least 10 feet above the top of curb or edge of pavement shall be permitted within the triangular area as described above.

Fences and walls shall be erected and constructed in accordance with the regulations contained in this section, but no wall shall be erected in excess of four feet in height. Approved types of fences shall be erected to a maximum height of six feet in height for rear yards and four feet in front and side yards. Prefabricated fences of standard six-foot height shall be installed as close to the ground as possible. The total height of the fence will not include slight undulations of the ground, provided that 80% of the fence does not exceed the maximum height of six feet.

The slope of the ground towards the top of the retaining wall shall not exceed one foot in height to two feet horizontal.

Types of fences.

The support structure of a one-sided fence shall face the inside of the property upon which it is being constructed so that the finished side faces the adjoining neighbor's properties.

Fences which are to be painted shall be painted in a manner and color which shall be harmonious with the surrounding area.

Fences shall be erected in a manner so as to permit the natural flow of natural drainage, surface water runoff and shall not cause water to be blocked, ponded, diverted or directed.

All fences must be erected within the property lines, and no fence shall encroach on any public right-of-way.

Every fence or wall shall be maintained in a safe, sound, upright condition in accordance with the approved plan on file in the Construction Department. If, upon inspection, the Construction Official or the Borough Engineer determine a wall or fence including a hedge, living fence or screening is unsafe or poses a risk to the health, safety and welfare of the public, the wall or fence including a hedge, living fence or screening shall be repaired, removed or replaced immediately so as to alleviate the safety risk by the owner.

Each application for a fence permit shall be filed on forms furnished by the Construction Department and shall be accompanied by a sketch on a copy of the property survey indicating the proposed location and dimensions of the proposed fence.

All associated permit fees shall be submitted to the Construction Department prior to the issuance of a building permit.

In all residential zones, fences not higher than six feet are permitted in the rear yard only.

Front and side yards may have fences that shall not exceed four feet in height and shall be not more than 50% solid. The following shall also apply to fences constructed in a front yard:

A "fence not more than 50% solid" shall be defined as a fence section or panel from support post to support post having at least 1/2 of the surface area not covered by fence material as to provide visibility through the fence section or panel.

Prohibited fencing materials. The following fences and fencing materials are specifically prohibited: barbed wire fence, razor wire fence, short pointed fence, electrically charged fences, temporary fences such as snow fences, expandable fences and collapsible fences at any location on the lot which a dwelling or structure is situated. The utilization of temporary-type fencing such as a snow fence, expandable fence and collapsible fence is allowed on a temporary basis during construction activities for the purpose of isolating a work site for security and safety purposes. Upon the completion of construction activities, all temporary fencing materials must be removed. The utilization of temporary fencing such as canvas fence and snow fencing for the protection of vegetation, decorative or otherwise during cold weather shall also be permitted from November 15 to April 15.

Height limitations, hedges, living fences or screening. There shall be no height limitation for hedges, shrubs, evergreens, trees of any type, etc., at or near side, front and/or rear property lines, except as outlined under Article X. However, where visibility is limited at driveway exits, the height limitations for hedges, shrubs and evergreens, living fences or screening shall be three feet only, and such limitations shall extend along front and side lot lines for a distance of 25 feet.

Hedges, shrubs, evergreens, trees or any type of living fence or screening shall be planted no closer than three feet to the property line, shall be maintained in a neatly trimmed condition, shall not interfere with visibility on corner lots in accordance with § 600-62 of this chapter and shall not extend off the owner's own property.

No walls, fences, hedges, living fences or screening shall be erected having protruding projections, hooks, thorns, barbs, etc., which are hazardous to any person passing by, whether it is along the face or the top of the fence, wall, hedge, living fence or screening.

Terraces. A paved terrace shall not be considered in the determination of yard sizes or lot coverage; provided, however, that such terrace is unroofed and without walls, parapets or other forms of enclosure. Such terrace, however, may have an open guard railing not over three feet high and shall not project into any yard to a point closer than eight feet from any lot line. Such terrace shall comply in all respects with setback requirements as are required for accessory buildings.

Porches. Any porch, roofed over, shall be considered a part of the building in the determination of the size of yard or lot coverage. The size of the porch is determined by the size of the porch foundation.

Projecting architectural features. The space in any required yard shall be open and unobstructed, except for the ordinary projections of windowsills, belt courses, cornices, eaves and other architectural features; provided, however, that such features shall not project more than six inches nor shall any roof overhang project more than four feet into any required yard.

Bay windows. Bay windows, including their cornices and eaves, may project into any required yard not more than two feet; provided, however, that the sum of such projections on any wall does not exceed 1/3 the length of the wall.

Fire escapes. Open fire escapes may extend into a required yard not more than four feet six inches.

Steps, walls and fences. The requirements of this chapter respecting yards or courts shall not apply to any necessary steps or retaining walls, nor to any fence or wall that is less than four feet in height.

Decks. In the event a deck is attached to the principal building, it shall be treated as part of the principal building. In the event it is detached, it shall be treated as an accessory building and shall comply in all respects with setback requirements applicable to accessory buildings.

Tennis courts. A tennis court shall be permitted only on a lot having a minimum of 40,000 square feet. The tennis court shall be completely enclosed by a fence not to exceed 10 feet in height. Lighting is not permitted. Such tennis courts shall comply in all respects with setback requirements applicable to accessory buildings. A site plan application is required in all instances.

The business structure erected in said business district shall face and open upon the street set aside for business purposes.

Show windows in such business structure may be built and exposed upon side streets within the area set aside as part of such business district.

An entrance may be provided in a business district from a side street near a boundary line within a residential district with the restrictions as outlined in Article X.

One animal of the genus equus is permitted on a tract of land with a minimum of three acres. An additional animal of the genus equus is permitted on such a tract of land for every additional acre in excess of three acres. In no case shall more than six animals of the genus equus be permitted.

The area in which the animal or animals of the genus equus shall be permitted shall be enclosed in a fence of sufficient height and durable construction so as to assure the containment of the animal or animals of the genus equus in the permitted area. Such enclosed fence shall be 100 feet minimum distance from the front, rear and side property lines of the subject land.

No animals of the genus equus shall be raised, bred or kept except within said enclosed area, except that the animals shall be permitted from time to time, when accompanied, to traverse the front yard portion for the purposes of ingress and egress.

All animals of the genus equus which are raised, bred or kept shall be maintained conformable to the requirements of all applicable provisions of the Code of the Borough of North Haledon.

No boarding of animals of the genus equus shall be permitted, and only animals of the genus equus owned by the occupant of the property shall be permitted.