A Resident's Guide to Hackensack's Local Ordinances

Hackensack, 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 59 tracked ordinances across 19 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Hackensack requires property owners to keep grass and weeds cut so vegetation does not exceed ten inches in height. The property maintenance chapter applies to all residential and commercial lots within city limits..

Also covered: Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Weed Ordinances (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Hackensack for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Hackensack regulates rooming and boarding houses through Chapter 158 and rental units under Chapter 145. Short-term rentals are not specifically authorized in residential zones and operators face significant licensing hurdles before listing on Airbnb or VRBO..

Also covered: Noise Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Occupancy Limits (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Hackensack for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Hackensack strictly limits signage for home occupations to preserve residential character. Most home-based businesses are prohibited from displaying any exterior commercial signage on their property under the municipal zoning code..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Hackensack for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Hackensack regulates development in flood hazard areas under Chapter 89 of the City Code, originally adopted December 6, 1982 and amended in its entirety on August 20, 2019. The chapter implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.S.A.

Also covered: Grading & Drainage (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Hackensack for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Hackensack requires a tree removal permit from the Building Department before removing trees with DBH of six inches or more on private property, or any street tree with DBH of 2.5 inches or more..

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (strict). See the full tree protection guide for Hackensack for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Hackensack restricts overnight parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Trucks above weight thresholds may not be parked on residential streets or driveways for extended periods..

Also covered: EV Charging (moderate), Overnight Parking (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Hackensack for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Hackensack requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Requirements follow the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and apply to in-ground, above-ground, and certain portable pools to prevent drowning..

Also covered: Permit Requirements (moderate), Neighbor Fence Rules (moderate), Retaining Walls (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Hackensack for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Hackensack restricts where and when trash and recycling bins may be placed at the curb. Bins must not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or roadways, and must be returned to the property after collection..

Also covered: Recycling Requirements (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Hackensack for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Hackensack restricts construction and demolition activity to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Hackensack for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Safety Rules: Swimming pool safety in Hackensack is governed by the New Jersey Swimming Pool Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.10A, adopting the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with NJ amendments) and locally enforced under Hackensack City Code Chapter 100 (Housing and Property Maintenance, adopted July 8, 2008, amended through 2016), Article III.

Also covered: Fencing Requirements (strict). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Hackensack for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Open burning in Hackensack is governed by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3) as adopted and locally enforced through Hackensack City Code Chapter 88 (Fire Prevention), originally enacted by Ordinance No.

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

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency Limits: Hackensack limits how often a household may conduct garage sales each year. Most residents are restricted to two or three permitted sales annually to discourage de facto retail activity..

Also covered: Garage Sale Permits (moderate). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Hackensack for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Hackensack permits garage and yard sale signs as temporary signage under Chapter 175, with strict limits on placement, size, and post-sale removal. Signs in public rights-of-way are subject to removal by the city..

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Hackensack for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Hackensack zoning enforces minimum dwelling unit sizes that effectively prohibit most tiny homes as primary residences. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and not permitted as permanent dwellings..

Also covered: Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (strict), Shed Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Hackensack for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Hackensack establishes minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require larger yards than multifamily or commercial zones.

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Structure Height Limits (strict). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Hackensack for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Hackensack maintains a juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 from being in public places during late-night hours without parental accompaniment. Exceptions exist for work, emergencies, and school-sponsored activities..

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Hackensack for details.

Drone Rules

Recreational Drones: Recreational drone use in Hackensack is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 and N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27.

Also covered: Commercial Drones (strict). See the full drone rules guide for Hackensack for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Hackensack City Code Chapter 52 (Dogs: Licensing and Regulation) prohibits dogs from running on any public street, park, public building, or other public place unless muzzled or controlled by an adequate leash. Owners must clean up after dogs and prevent property damage.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Hackensack residents may post No Soliciting signs that legally bar commercial solicitors from approaching their doors. The city restricts soliciting hours, typically prohibiting door-to-door activity during evening, nighttime, and early morning periods.

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Hackensack for details.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Hackensack. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.