Galloway Township's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Galloway Township, 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.
Weeds & Overgrown Grass
On residential premises (other than multifamily), Galloway Township prohibits weeds or plant growth exceeding 10 inches. On commercial, industrial or multifamily property, grass or weeds over 6 inches in a landscaped or lawn area is presumed a violation.
Key details: Residential limit: 10 inches. Commercial/multifamily limit: 6 inches (presumed violation). Governing chapter: Ch. 267 § 267-14. Enforced by: Code Enforcement Office. Max fine: $2,000 per offense.
Chapter 267 violations carry a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Trash Bin Storage
Household trash, bulk waste and recycling must be stored out of view of residential properties, such as at the rear or side of the dwelling, until scheduled collection. Bins may not sit at the curb or in front of the home between pickups.
Key details: Governing section: § 267-16. Bin storage: Rear or side, out of view. Bulk curb window: No more than 24 hrs prior. HOAs / multifamily: Enclosed receptacle area required. Max fine: $2,000 per offense.
Violations of Chapter 267 carry a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service, with each day a separate offense.
Garage Sale Rules
Galloway Township regulates yard sales through the Township Clerk. Residents must obtain a permit before holding a sale. Fire departments and religious institutions are allowed eight licenses per year, with more available only by Township Council approval.
Key details: Permit issued by: Township Clerk. Fire dept / religious limit: 8 licenses per year. More than 8: Council approval required. License required: Before holding a sale. Clerk phone: (609) 652-3700.
Holding an unlicensed sale or violating the yard-sale chapter subjects the seller to the Township's general penalty enforcement through Municipal Court.
Property Blight
Galloway Township requires all exterior property to be kept clean, safe and sanitary, free of any accumulation of rubbish, garbage or litter. Deteriorated, dilapidated or unmaintained properties are declared public nuisances and blighting conditions subject to Code Enforcement action.
Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 267 Property Maintenance. Standard: Clean, safe, sanitary; no blight. Enforced by: Code Enforcement Office. Max fine: $2,000 per offense. Each day: Separate offense.
General Chapter 267 penalty: fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense.
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Vacant structures, premises and vacant land must be maintained clean, safe, secure and sanitary so as not to create blight or a public nuisance. Abandoned real property is declared a public nuisance and must be registered and secured against unauthorized entry.
Key details: Vacant land standard: Clean, safe, secure, sanitary. Abandoned property: Declared a public nuisance. Mortgagee registration: Within 10 days of inspection. Minimum fine: $1,500 per offense. Securing required: Lock windows, doors, gates.
Abandoned-property violations: fine of not less than $1,500, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Galloway Township's property maintenance 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 Galloway Township is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Galloway Township 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.