How Cherry Hill Handles Public Health Rules: A Practical Guide
Cherry Hill maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with public health rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cherry Hill falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Rodent Control
Cherry Hill Township requires every structure and exterior property to stay free of rat infestation, with prompt extermination when rats appear, and sets specific storage rules for firewood and outdoor garbage that are known rat-harborage hazards.
Key details: Governing section: § 15-16.5, Rat Harborage. Firewood storage rule: Rear/side yard, ground level. Outdoor garbage rule: Rear/side yard, above ground level. Consulting agencies: Animal Control Officer, County Board of Health. Standard penalty range: $100 to $1,000.
A rat harborage violation follows the general Chapter 15 penalty at Section 15-10.2: first offense $50 by affidavit, or on conviction a Municipal Court fine of $100 to $1,000 and up to 90 days imprisonment, each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Food Handler Certification
Cherry Hill Township Code § 9-1.2b requires every retail food establishment to have at least one staff member complete the Camden County Food Service Management Training Course and display the resulting food handler certificate alongside its Township license; the certificate is valid for two years before recertification is required.
Key details: Handlers required: 1 per establishment (2 after repeat fails). Certifying body: Camden County Dept. of Health. Certificate validity: 2 years. Self-inspection: Quarterly, Form F-65. Township course fee: $5.00, § 9-1.6.
Section 9-1.6 states that, unless the Township Division of Licensing Health Officer indicates otherwise, food handling licenses will only be issued to establishments that have complied with the certification requirement. Beyond that licensing leverage, § 9-1.5 allows the Township Department of Vital Statistics, Division of Food Licensing to suspend or revoke a food license for any Code violation after a hearing.
Syringe Disposal
Cherry Hill Township requires used injection needles broken from the syringe and hub, separated, and placed in marked metal or plastic hazardous-materials containers before collection, under Section 19-2.11, following state Household Hazardous Waste Management Act procedures.
Key details: Needle preparation: broken from syringe and hub. Container required: marked metal or plastic. Standard followed: NJ Household Hazardous Waste Mgmt. Act. Liability for injury: shifts to improper disposer. Medical waste generators: must follow NJDEP rules.
Improperly disposing of needles or other hazardous material, including injuries to collection crews traced to that failure under Section 19-2.11(d), is enforced by the Department of Public Works and Property Maintenance Division under Section 19-2.20's warning-or-summons process. Where no more specific penalty is set, Section 1-5.1's general fine of up to $2,000 or 90 days applies, and each day of noncompliance is a separate violation under Section 1-5.5.
The Bottom Line
Cherry Hill's public health rules 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 Cherry Hill is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Cherry Hill's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.