How Ridgewood Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Ridgewood maintains 73 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ridgewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Brush Clearance

Ridgewood Chapter 115 requires property owners to remove brush, grass, weeds, and noxious vegetation that exceeds permitted limits abutting public streets and on private premises.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 115. Notice Period: 3 days. Max Plant Height: 10 inches. First Offense Fine: $125. Repeat Fine: Up to $350.

Failure to remove grass, weeds, noxious plants, or impediments within three days of notice from the Village.

Fireworks

Consumer fireworks in Ridgewood are governed primarily by New Jersey state law, not a local fireworks chapter. Aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. P.L. 2017 c. 92 narrowly legalized non-aerial sparkling devices (sparklers, snakes, glow worms) and novelties (party poppers, snappers, drop pops) for persons 16 and over and preempts local regulation of those items. Ridgewood does, however, prohibit the discharge of toy 'Poppers' on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and public places, and bans the sale of Poppers from May 15 to July 15 and during December (Village Code Chapter 221A).

Key details: Fireworks: State authority: N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq. (fireworks ban). Sparklers/novelties allowed by: Sparklers/novelties allowed by P.L. 2017 c. 92, age 16+. Fireworks: Aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal statewide. Minimum Age: Local code: Village of Ridgewood Chapter 221A (Poppers). Poppers discharge prohibited: Poppers discharge prohibited on public property at all times.

Possessing or using non-permitted consumer fireworks (aerial repeaters, firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars) is a disorderly persons offense under N.J.S.A. 21:3-2, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Sale of unpermitted fireworks is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months and $10,000 fine). Discharging or selling Poppers in violation of Ridgewood Chapter 221A is a municipal ordinance violation, with penalties imposed under the general penalty provision of the Village Code and N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 (up to $2,000 per offense and up to 90 days imprisonment, with each day a separate offense). The Ridgewood Police Department and Fire Marshal enforce both state and local fireworks rules.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Ridgewood'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.