Bergenfield's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Bergenfield, New Jersey, there are 5 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.

RV & Boat Parking

Bergenfield permits residents to park recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers at their primary residence only after registering them with the Borough Code Enforcement Department.

Key details: Primary residence: Required for storage. Registration proof: Filed with Code Enforcement. Minimum fine: $250 per day. Maximum fine: $1,000 per day. Trailer allowed: If transporting registered RV.

Failing to register an RV, boat, or trailer with Code Enforcement, or storing one at a property that is not your primary residence, violates the article. Violations carry fines of $250 minimum up to $1,000 per day until corrected.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Bergenfield bars oversize commercial vehicles from residential properties and requires registration with Code Enforcement for any commercial vehicle parked at a residence.

Key details: Prohibited length: Over 22 feet. Prohibited height: Over 8 ft 6 in. Registration fine: $50 per day. General fine range: $250 to $1,000 daily. Borough lots: No commercial storage.

Parking a commercial vehicle without the required Borough registration brings a $50 per day fine. General violations of the article carry fines of $250 to $1,000 per day until compliance is achieved.

Overnight Parking

Bergenfield prohibits parking on any borough street between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM under Ordinance 16-2488 unless the vehicle is registered through the overnight permit system.

Key details: Banned hours: 2 AM to 6 AM. Ordinance: 16-2488 amends 299-10. Permit portal: Frontline online system. Phone registration: 201-387-4000 after 8 PM. Refuse window: 5 to 6 AM extra limits.

Parking on any Bergenfield street between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM without an overnight permit registration is a Vehicles and Traffic violation subject to ticketing under Chapter 299. Repeat unregistered overnight parking risks escalating fines and potential towing.

Driveway Rules

Bergenfield restricts driveway width, surface materials, and curb cuts on residential lots, and prohibits parking on lawns or any non-driveway areas.

Key details: Max driveway width: 19 ft or 40% frontage. Side setback: Two feet minimum. Curb cut limit: 20 feet maximum. Lawn parking: Prohibited. Permit required: From Building Department.

Parking on lawns or any non-driveway area on residential lots is expressly prohibited. Building or widening a driveway without a permit, exceeding width caps, or using unapproved surfaces violates the zoning chapter and triggers Code Enforcement action.

Abandoned Vehicles

Bergenfield Chapter 295 makes it unlawful to abandon motor vehicles on public or private property and gives police authority to tow unregistered or inoperable vehicles.

Key details: Private property limit: 30 days outdoors. Notice period: 10 days to abate. Trigger: No current registration. Reclaim option: Pay fees before sale. Out-of-town notice: Certified mail.

Leaving an unregistered or inoperable vehicle on a public street, or storing more than one such vehicle outdoors for 30+ days on private property, violates Chapter 295. Penalties follow Chapter 1 Article II General Penalty, plus removal and storage costs.

The Bottom Line

Bergenfield's parking rules 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 Bergenfield is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bergenfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.