Englewood's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Englewood, New Jersey, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Brush Clearance

Englewood Chapter 129 prohibits accumulation of brush, grass, weeds, and debris on private property. Owners must maintain lots, and the city may remove growth at the owner's expense after notice if violations are not promptly corrected.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 129. Yard Waste Fine: Up to $500. Bundle Length: Four-foot maximum. Curb Limit: 12 bundles maximum. Storm Drain Buffer: 10 feet minimum.

Fines up to $500 per offense for yard waste violations, plus removal costs charged as a property lien for unabated brush, grass, or weed accumulations.

Fireworks

Fireworks in Englewood are governed by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Only non-explosive, non-aerial hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers are legal for personal use; aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Englewood enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code locally under Chapter 212 (Fire Prevention) of the City Code, adopted October 5, 2004 under the Uniform Fire Safety Act.

Key details: State Statutes: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq.. Key Amendment: P.L. 2017, c. 92 (S3034). Legal Devices: Ground-based sparklers, snakes, smoke, trick noisemakers. Aerial / Explosive Fireworks: Banned without state display permit. Minimum Buyer Age: 16 years.

Possession or use of illegal aerial or explosive fireworks is a violation of N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq. and is generally prosecuted as a disorderly persons offense, with fines and possible jail time, plus civil liability for fire or injury caused. Selling fireworks to persons under 16, or selling devices outside the categories permitted by P.L. 2017, c. 92, is unlawful. Conducting an unpermitted public fireworks display violates the Explosives and Fireworks Act and may also violate Englewood's adopted Uniform Fire Code under Chapter 212.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Englewood actively enforces its fireworks requirements.

The Bottom Line

Englewood's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Englewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.