A Resident's Guide to Bloomfield's Local Ordinances

Bloomfield, New Jersey may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 26 tracked ordinances across 10 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Bloomfield Township Code Chapter 508 requires every in-ground private swimming pool to be enclosed by a fence at least four feet in height, with substantial gates kept securely locked when the pool is not in use. Above-ground pools are exempt from the fence requirement, but access ladders or steps must be removed when the pool is not in use.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Bloomfield Township Code Chapter 134 (Animals) prohibits any dog or cat - whether licensed or not - from running at large within the Township. A dog is deemed at large whenever it is off the owner's premises and not on a leash, tether, chain, or rope no longer than six feet (including the hand grip), held by a person able to control the animal.

Also covered: Exotic Pets (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Bloomfield for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Parking Rules: Bloomfield Township bans residential rentals under 30 days (Ch. 433), so there is no STR parking allocation.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (strict), Noise Rules (strict), Permit Requirements (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Bloomfield for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Bloomfield's zoning code restricts storage of mobile dwellings, trailers, and recreational equipment on residential property. No mobile dwelling, trailer, or recreational equipment shall be stored so as to create a dangerous or unsafe condition..

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Abandoned Vehicles (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Bloomfield for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Open burning in Bloomfield is prohibited in developed residential areas under NJ DEP air quality rules (N.J.A.C. 7:27).

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Fireworks (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Bloomfield for details.

Noise Ordinances

Barking Dogs: Bloomfield Ch. 380 and Ch.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Aircraft Noise (permissive). See the full noise ordinances guide for Bloomfield for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Fences up to 4 ft in side and rear yards require only a permit. Fences over 4 ft or in front yards require Zoning Board of Appeals approval plus a permit.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Bloomfield Township may require permits for removal of significant trees, particularly street trees and trees in public rights-of-way. Private property tree removal rules should be verified with the Township..

Accessory Structures

Shed Rules: All sheds and accessory structures in Bloomfield require ZBA approval regardless of size or location, plus a building permit. Setback requirements apply per zoning code..

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Bloomfield for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Bloomfield participates in FEMA's NFIP. Portions of the township along the Second River and its tributaries are in FEMA flood zones.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Bloomfield includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.