Englewood's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Englewood, 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.

Property Blight

Englewood requires residential grounds to be kept trimmed and free of overgrowth so that conditions do not deteriorate or harm neighboring properties.

Key details: Code Chapter: Property Maintenance. Standard: No overgrowth, no blight. Companion Chapter: Brush, Grass, Weeds. Enforcement: Property Maintenance Officer.

Overgrown lawns, unsightly shrubs, accumulated debris on grounds, or untrimmed vegetation harming neighbors trigger citations and abatement orders.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Englewood requires vacant and abandoned residential and commercial properties to be registered annually with the city, with extra fees for ongoing code violations.

Key details: Annual Fee: $250 per property. Violation Surcharge: $500 unabated. Applies To: Residential and commercial. Program Type: Annual registration.

Failing to register a vacant property, missing annual renewal, or letting code violations persist at renewal triggers escalating fees plus enforcement actions.

Trash Bin Storage

Englewood prohibits placing refuse or collection containers on the street or in a manner that obstructs pedestrian passage on public sidewalks awaiting collection.

Key details: Collection Authority: Public Works. Chapter: 364 Solid Waste. Sidewalk Block: Prohibited. Yard Waste Penalty: Up to $500.

Storing trash bins in the roadway, blocking sidewalks, leaving uncovered yard waste at the curb outside collection windows, or failing to clear access paths violates Chapter 364.

The rules around trash bin storage in Englewood lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Englewood property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends or after ice has formed on the walkway.

Key details: Clearing Deadline: Within 24 hours. Maximum Fine: Up to $500. Possible Jail: Up to 90 days. Code Article: Article IX.

Leaving snow or ice on a sidewalk beyond 24 hours, allowing debris to obstruct passage, or repeated failures to clear walkways triggers municipal court action.

Garage Sale Rules

Englewood requires a permit from the City Clerk before any garage sale, limits sales to two days, and caps signs at 18 by 24 inches.

Key details: Permit Source: City Clerk. Maximum Days: Two days per sale. Frequency Limit: One per month. Sign Size Cap: 18 by 24 inches.

Holding a garage sale without a permit, exceeding two days, posting oversize signs, or leaving signs up past 6:00 p.m. on the final day violates the special sales rules.

The rules around garage sale rules in Englewood lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Englewood gives residents more room on property maintenance. 2 of the 5 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 Englewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.