How Paterson Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide
Paterson maintains 118 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Paterson falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Secondhand Dealers
Anyone buying or selling secondhand gold, silver, precious metals, gems or jewelry in Paterson must obtain a license and register with the Chief of Police, who investigates the applicant before issuance.
Key details: License required: Yes, before any transaction. Issuing process: Police investigation, then Licensing Division. Item hold period: 10 days before resale. License fee: $250/year or $250/day.
Fines up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days' community service for any violation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; the license may also be suspended or revoked after notice and hearing.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Adult Entertainment
Sexually-oriented businesses in Paterson need conditional-use approval and must sit at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, playgrounds, child care centers, homes, and other such businesses.
Key details: Approval required: Conditional-use approval. Spacing: 1,000 ft from schools, churches, homes. Min. lot size: 10,000 square feet. Signage cap: 2 signs, 40 sq ft or 5%.
Operating without conditional-use approval, inside the 1,000-foot buffer, on an undersized lot, or without the required perimeter buffer and screening is a zoning violation subject to enforcement.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Paterson requires a Health Division license to operate any tattoo or body piercing establishment, with a $500 initial fee and a $700 annual renewal.
Key details: Initial license fee: $500. Annual renewal fee: $700. Operator's certificate fee: $350 per year. Licensing agency: City of Paterson Health Division. Max fine: $1,000 plus 90 days jail.
Operating without a license is unlawful under § 441-2(A); violations of the chapter carry a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in county jail, and/or up to 90 days of community service, and the Health Division may suspend or revoke a license after notice and hearing.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Paterson actively enforces its tattoo & body modification requirements.
Tobacco Retail License
Every tobacco store or smoke shop in Paterson must hold an annually renewed license from the Division of Health before selling tobacco or smoking products.
Key details: Who needs it: tobacco stores & smoke shops. License term: up to 1 year. Issuing agency: Division of Health. Max fine: $2,000.
Selling without a license is enforceable by the Health Officer and Police; a violation can draw a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail or community service, and repeated violations can trigger closure of the establishment.
Towing Companies
Only six towing companies may hold a City-issued license to handle Paterson's police-directed, non-consent tows. Applicants pay a nonrefundable $500 fee, pass background checks, and meet equipment standards before the City Council awards a three-year rotation contract.
Key details: Max rotation licenses: 6 towing companies citywide. Application fee: $500, nonrefundable. Contract term: 3 years. Max penalty: $2,000 fine or 90 days.
Operating on the police rotation without an awarded contract, or violating the chapter's terms, brings suspension or revocation of the license plus fines up to $2,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service.
This is one of the stricter rules in Paterson's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Paterson is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Paterson, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Paterson's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.