Toms River's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Toms River, 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.

Outdoor Burning

Toms River Township bans open burning of trash, lumber, leaves, straw, brush, trees or any other combustible material in any street, alley, vacant lot, or on land improved by a building anywhere within the township, unless the person burning holds a legal permit first. Violators face a fine of $500 to $1,000 for each offense under Chapter 232 of the Township Code.

Key details: Permit required: Before any outdoor burn townshipwide. Penalty: $500 to $1,000 per violation. Adopted: Dec. 9, 2008, Ord. No. 4168-08. Covers: Streets, alleys, vacant lots, improved land. Related rules: Ch. 185 Beach Fires; Ch. 308 Fire Prevention.

Burning without a permit is a violation of Chapter 232 and is punishable under § 232-2 by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 for each offense; the ordinance does not cap total exposure, so repeated or ongoing burning can draw a separate fine each time. The chapter names no specific enforcing department itself, so a complaint typically routes through the township's Code Enforcement or Fire Prevention offices referenced elsewhere in the code.

This is one of the stricter rules in Toms River's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Propane Storage

Toms River Township caps residential propane (LP-gas) storage at a combined 500-gallon water capacity per dwelling, with tougher Fire Prevention Code compliance once combined capacity tops 1,200 or 4,000 gallons.

Key details: Residential LP-gas cap: 500 gallons per dwelling. Fire Code trigger: over 1,200 gallons combined. Hydrant-service threshold: over 4,000 gallons barred. Bulk LP-gas storage: prohibited in residential zones. Enforcing agency: Fire Prevention Bureau.

Zoning Code violations under § 348-3.11 draw a minimum $100 fine for a first offense and $200 for each later offense, with every day of noncompliance a separate violation, enforced by the Fire Prevention Bureau and Zoning Officer.

The Bottom Line

Toms River'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 Toms River is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Toms River's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.