Paterson's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Paterson, New Jersey, there are 3 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.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Paterson owners and tenants must clear sidewalk snow and ice within 12 daylight hours of it falling, or the City removes it and liens the property.

Key details: Governing law: City Code § 435-103 to § 435-106. Clearing deadline: 12 daylight hours after snowfall. Fine: $50 plus $30 court costs. Non-compliance remedy: City removes it, liens property.

Fine of $50 payable at the Violations Bureau, plus $30 in court costs, per § 435-106; noncompliance also triggers City removal with the cost placed as a lien against the property under § 435-104.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Paterson can order owners of vacant lots deemed a danger to clear debris and install a fence within 10 days of the order, or the city does the work and liens the property.

Key details: Trigger: Vacant 30+ days, certified dangerous. Fence spec: 6-ft galvanized metal, no barbed wire. Compliance window: 10 days after order received. Max penalty: $1,000 fine or 90 days. Enforcer: Div. of Community Improvements.

Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, or 90 days community service per § 319-10; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and unpaid city cleanup costs become a tax lien.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Paterson actively enforces its vacant lot maintenance requirements.

Property Blight

Paterson lets the Construction Official order repair, removal or demolition of any dangerous or fire-hazard building, then bills the owner and liens the property if the 30-day notice is ignored.

Key details: Notice period: 30 days to repair or remove. Enforcing officer: Construction Official. Unpaid cost: Becomes a municipal lien. Max penalty: $1,000 fine / 90 days.

Ignoring a Construction Official's notice lets the city repair, remove or demolish the structure and lien the property for the cost; violators also face a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment or community service, with each day a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Paterson takes a harder line on property blight. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Paterson is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Paterson, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Paterson 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.