Fair Lawn's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, there are 7 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.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Fair Lawn prohibits parking commercial vehicles exceeding three-quarter-ton capacity in residential zones, and limits engine idling to 10 minutes for parked commercial vehicles.

Key details: Capacity limit: Three-quarter ton. Restricted zones: R-1-1, R-1-2, R-1-3. Idling limit: 10 minutes maximum. Applies to: Parked commercial vehicles.

Violators face zoning fines and possible vehicle removal orders. Repeated idling violations may also draw separate citations under Borough noise and air quality provisions.

Street Parking Limits

Fair Lawn limits each residence to two vehicles parked on the street nearby, with overflow vehicles requiring monthly permits from the Police Records Bureau or contact with non-emergency police.

Key details: Default street limit: Two per residence. Permit office: Borough Hall Room 106. Permit cost: Free, monthly renewal. Non-emergency line: 201-796-1400.

Parking tickets, towing at the owner's expense, and accumulating fines may apply. Repeat unpermitted parking can result in further enforcement action.

Abandoned Vehicles

Fair Lawn prohibits parking, leaving, keeping, maintaining, or storing any abandoned motor vehicle within the Borough except where specifically authorized by zoning or a granted variance.

Key details: Prohibited zones: Entire Borough. Exception: Zoning authorization or variance. Applies to: Public and private property. Enforcement: Towing and fines.

Owners face Borough fines, towing at their expense, and potential title forfeiture for vehicles that remain abandoned. Property owners hosting abandoned vehicles can also be cited.

Overnight Parking

Fair Lawn bans on-street parking from 2 AM to 5 AM daily, with online overnight permits allowing up to two consecutive nights and 14 requests per calendar year.

Key details: Restricted hours: 2 AM to 5 AM. Applies: All streets and lots. Per request: Up to 2 nights. Annual limit: 14 requests per vehicle. Submission method: Online only.

Vehicles parked overnight without an active request face tickets and possible towing. Repeated violations and exceeding the annual 14-request limit can lead to escalated fines.

Driveway Rules

Fair Lawn requires front yards to be landscaped except for necessary driveways, and prohibits parking in front of buildings outside of designated driveway areas.

Key details: Front yard parking: Driveway only. Lawn parking: Prohibited. Driveway surface: Must be paved. Permit for expansion: Zoning review required.

Zoning violations carry fines and may require removal of unauthorized paving or vehicles. Continued non-compliance can result in escalating penalties under Borough enforcement.

The rules around driveway rules in Fair Lawn lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

RV & Boat Parking

Fair Lawn permits one boat, boat trailer, recreation vehicle, or snowmobile under 18 feet to be stored outside in residential zones, but only in a garage or rear yard with screening from neighbors.

Key details: Max length outside: 18 feet. Allowed location: Garage or rear yard. Property line setback: 5 feet minimum. Limit per property: One item. Screening required: Yes, from neighbors.

Violations may result in zoning citations, daily fines, and orders to remove or relocate the recreational vehicle. Repeat offenses can escalate penalties.

EV Charging

Fair Lawn's Land Development Code Article XI requires designated EV-only spaces, green pavement and signage, and protective bollards for publicly accessible EVSE installations.

Key details: Code section: Chapter 125 Article XI. Pavement marking: Green paint required. Bollard height: 3 to 4 feet. Curb setback: 24 inches minimum. Designation: EV-only parking.

Failure to meet EVSE installation standards can result in permit denial, certificate of occupancy delays, and zoning enforcement actions.

Fair Lawn is more permissive than most cities when it comes to ev charging. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fair Lawn gives residents more room on parking rules. 2 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

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