Paramus's Parking Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles parking rules a little differently. In Paramus, New Jersey, there are 6 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.

Street Parking Limits

Paramus regulates on-street parking through Chapter 419 schedules that prohibit parking at all times on listed streets and limit hours on others, including no stopping or standing zones near schools and businesses.

Key details: Governing chapter: Chapter 419. All-times no parking: Schedule XIV. Hours-restricted zones: Schedule XVIII. Enforcement: Paramus Police Department.

Standard parking summons under § 419 schedules; fines vary by violation type and may include towing under Chapter 401 (Towers and Towing) at the owner's expense.

The rules around street parking limits in Paramus lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Overnight Parking

Paramus prohibits parking on any borough street between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., though the Chief of Police may grant temporary permission for extenuating circumstances upon request.

Key details: Banned hours: 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.. Applies to: All borough streets. Permission contact: Paramus Police Headquarters. Authorized by: Chief or officer in charge.

Violators receive a borough parking summons; vehicles may be ticketed each night and may be towed under Chapter 401 if they obstruct snow operations or street sweeping.

Abandoned Vehicles

Paramus addresses abandoned vehicles through Chapter 415 and the Towers and Towing chapter, authorizing police to remove vehicles left on public ways or private property and recover costs from the owner.

Key details: Local chapter: Chapter 415. Towing chapter: Chapter 401. Enforcement: Paramus Police Department. Owner liable for: Tow, storage, admin fees.

The vehicle owner is responsible for towing, storage, and administrative fees; in addition, summonses may be issued and § 1-15 penalties up to $2,000 may apply for nuisance vehicles on private property.

EV Charging

Paramus adopts the New Jersey model EV ordinance, requiring make-ready spaces in new parking lots, EVSE bollard protection, 24-hour reporting contacts, and treating chargers as permitted accessory uses borough-wide.

Key details: Model ordinance: NJ DCA statewide template. Bollard setback: 24 inches minimum. On-call contact: 24 hours. Variance needed: No, permitted accessory. Exempt: 1-2 family dwellings.

Non-compliance can delay zoning permits and certificates of occupancy; ongoing maintenance failures can trigger Code Enforcement orders and § 1-15 penalties up to $2,000 per offense.

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

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Paramus requires commercial vehicles to be kept out of public view during non-business hours and stored at the rear of business structures, provided the rear does not face a residential zone.

Key details: Off-hours rule: Out of public view. Required location: Rear of business structure. Residential buffer: Cannot face residential zone. Determining authority: Building Department.

Violations are enforced by the Building Department and Code Enforcement; penalties under § 1-15 include fines up to $2,000 per offense, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

Driveway Rules

Paramus restricts residential driveway dimensions and prohibits paving past the garage wall toward the front door, preserving residential character throughout R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150, and R-2F zones.

Key details: No paving past: Garage wall toward front. Property line setback: Minimum 2 feet. Tree setback: Minimum 5 feet. Permit required: Building Department. Applicable zones: R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150, R-2F.

Violators face stop-work orders, removal of unpermitted paving at owner expense, and penalties under § 1-15 of the Borough Code (fines up to $2,000, community service, or up to 90 days imprisonment).

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Paramus gives residents more room on parking rules. 2 of the 6 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.

Keep in mind that Paramus can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.