How Bloomfield Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Bloomfield maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bloomfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Parking Rules

Bloomfield Township bans residential rentals under 30 days (Ch. 433), so there is no STR parking allocation. Lawful longer-term rentals must meet Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) on-site parking based on unit count and bedroom mix.

Key details: STR Parking Standard: None - STRs prohibited under Ch. 433. Multifamily Standard: RSIS (NJAC 5:21) on-site parking required. STR Survey Requirement: Property survey of legal spaces (if STR were permitted). Zoning Office: 973-680-4023. Penalty: Up to $1,250/day for unlawful STR.

Operating an STR carries up to $1,250 per day. Illegal street parking by guests results in standard parking tickets; repeated violations may lead to towing.

Compared to other cities, Bloomfield takes a harder line on parking rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Occupancy Limits

Bloomfield Township bans residential rentals under 30 days (Ch. 433), so no STR occupancy cap applies because no STRs are lawful. Permitted longer-term rentals are limited by the NJ Uniform Construction Code and Property Maintenance Code (NJAC 5:23) bedroom and floor-area standards.

Key details: STR Occupancy Cap: None - STRs banned under Ch. 433. Minimum Rental Term: 30 consecutive days. Occupancy Standard: NJ UCC / Property Maintenance Code (NJAC 5:23-3). Sleeping Room Minimum: 70 sq ft for first occupant; +50 sq ft each additional (state IPMC). Construction Office: 973-680-4083.

Operating an unlawful STR: up to $1,250 per day. Overcrowding in a lawful rental: notice of violation, abatement order, and fines under the Property Maintenance Code; chronic violations can render a unit unfit.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bloomfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Noise Rules

Bloomfield Township prohibits residential rentals under 30 days, so true STRs are banned. Where lawful longer-term rentals exist, occupants must comply with all Township noise rules and NJDEP standards (65 dBA day / 50 dBA night residential, 10pm-7am quiet hours).

Key details: STR Status: Prohibited under 30 days (Ch. 433). Day Limit (NJ State): 65 dBA residential, 7am-10pm. Night Limit (NJ State): 50 dBA residential, 10pm-7am. STR Violation Fine: Up to $1,250 per day. Report STR Violations: Bloomfield Police Detective Bureau 973-680-4084.

Operating an STR under 30 days: up to $1,250 per day. Noise violations enforced separately by police/health officials, with each day a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bloomfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Permit Requirements

Bloomfield Township requires an annual STR permit from the Fire Department (Ordinance 653, codified 2019, as amended). STRs are defined as rentals ≤30 consecutive days. Property must be owner-occupied and the STR must be a one-unit of an owner-occupied 2–5 family dwelling.

Key details: Permit Required: Annual — Fire Department. Owner Occupied: Must be principal residence. Max Stay: 30 consecutive days. Fine: Up to $2,000/violation/day.

Fines up to $2,000 per violation per day that the violation exists.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bloomfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Taxes & Fees

STR permit renewal fee: $250/year. Fire inspection fee: $60/unit (3-year cycle). NJ state hotel/motel tax (N.J.S.A. 54:32D) applies to all STR stays under 30 days.

Key details: Code: Ch. 433. Annual Permit Fee: $250/year. Fire Inspection: $60 per unit (3-year re-inspection). State Tax: N.J.S.A. 54:32D hotel/motel tax.

Non-remittance: back taxes + 5 to 25% penalty + interest. NJ Division of Taxation audit authority. Willful evasion: criminal charges.

The Bottom Line

Bloomfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bloomfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Bloomfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.