What Lakewood Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Lakewood is a mid-sized city in Ocean County, New Jersey, with about 135000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 38 ordinances across 11 categories that affect daily life in Lakewood.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Lakewood Township has no short-term-rental-specific ordinance. Any rented dwelling, including a transient or vacation rental, is governed by Chapter 15 (Rental Housing) of the Township Code.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (permissive), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Noise Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Lakewood for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Lakewood does not have a specific ADU ordinance. New Jersey lacks a statewide ADU mandate.

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

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Lakewood regulates fence heights through the Unified Development Ordinance. Typical NJ residential standards apply: up to 6 feet in rear/side yards and up to 4 feet in front yards.

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

Home Business

Signage Rules: Lakewood regulates all signage through the Unified Development Ordinance. Home occupations in residential zones are generally not permitted to display exterior business signage.

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

Landscaping Rules

Grass Height Limits: Lakewood Chapter 16 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to keep lands free of brush, weeds, dead trees, and obnoxious growths. Owners must also clear grass, weeds, and brush from the street border along their property.

Also covered: Water Restrictions (permissive), Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Lakewood for details.

Noise Ordinances

Barking Dogs: Lakewood's noise ordinance covers animal noise as part of general noise prohibitions. Chapter 5 (Animal Control) also governs pet owner responsibilities including waste removal and proper containment.

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

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Outdoor burning in Lakewood is regulated under the NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), enforced by the Ocean County Bureau of Fire Safety.

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

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Lakewood regulates street parking through its traffic ordinances with designated no-parking zones and time-limited areas. Off-street parking requirements follow RSIS standards.

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Lakewood for details.

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Lakewood requires all dogs to be leashed and under owner control when off their property, per NJ state law. Dog owners must immediately remove feces from public areas and private property.

Also covered: Beekeeping (permissive), Exotic Pets (strict), Breed Restrictions (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Lakewood for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Lakewood requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high per the NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23).

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Lakewood for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Lakewood participates in the National Flood Insurance Program since March 15, 1977. Flood damage prevention regulations require all construction in special flood hazard areas to comply with the code and NJ UCC.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Lakewood. 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.