Denville homeowners could soon have an easier time putting up a privacy fence. Ordinance 22-26, listed for introduction at the Township Council’s Oct. 6 meeting, rewrites scattered sections of the township’s administrative and land use codes, and the ordinance says one goal is to make certain fence rules less restrictive so fewer residents need to go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
The changes come out of a review of the land use code by the township planner, whose memo detailing every revision is attached to the ordinance.
Under the proposed fence section, fences and walls would be allowed in all yards in residential zones. In a front yard, a fence could be no taller than 4 feet and no more than 50 percent solid. In side and rear yards, fences could reach 6 feet and could be fully solid, the classic privacy fence.
Corner lots get their own rules. The 4-foot, 50 percent limit would apply between the front property line and the front of the house, while the rest of the lot could have a 6-foot privacy fence.
In business and industrial zones, front yard fences would top out at 4 feet and side and rear yard fences at 7 feet. Any fence with only one finished side would have to face that side outward.
The ordinance also trims paperwork. Development applications that now call for 18 copies would need three paper copies and one digital copy, and new checklists spell out what residents must submit for fence and shed applications. Several legal notices would move from newspaper publication to posting on the township’s official website.
The ordinance lists the council’s Nov. 10, 2026 regular meeting for final adoption, and it would take effect 20 days after final passage and publication. Under state law, an ordinance gets a public hearing before the final vote.
The full agenda packet, including the planner’s memo, is posted on the township’s Township Council agendas and minutes page. For questions, residents can reach the municipal building at (973) 625-8300. Our guide to Denville Municipal Building hours and offices lists who handles what.
Featured image: Township of Denville
Enjoying our Denville coverage?
Add us as a preferred source and our stories show up higher in your Google results.
Add as a preferred source
