Business Licensing & Operations in Paterson, NJ (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Sexually-oriented businesses in Paterson need conditional-use approval and must sit at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, playgrounds, child care centers, homes, and other such businesses.
Paterson Adult Business Distance Rules
Significant RestrictionsCity of Paterson Land Development Ordinance § 500-5.27.A (Municipal Code ch. 483)
No person shall operate, nor as record owners of a premises allow to be operated, such an establishment within 1,000 feet of any existing church, synagogue, temple or other place of public worship or any elementary or secondary school or any school bus stop or any municipal or county playground or place of public recreation, or any hospital or any child care center...
Tattoo & Body Modification
Paterson requires a Health Division license to operate any tattoo or body piercing establishment, with a $500 initial fee and a $700 annual renewal.
Paterson Tattoo And Body Piercing License
Significant RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 441-2(A), (B)
It shall be unlawful for any operator to engage in the business of operating an establishment where tattooing or body piercing is performed without first obtaining a license from the City of Paterson Health Division to engage in such business in accordance with the provisions hereof. B. A Division application for an initial license shall be made to the Health Division of the City of Paterson...
Tobacco Retail License
Every tobacco store or smoke shop in Paterson must hold an annually renewed license from the Division of Health before selling tobacco or smoking products.
Paterson Tobacco Retailer License Requirement
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 421-11
All tobacco stores and smoke shops shall obtain a license prior to engaging in retail distribution of tobacco products, smoking products, or smoking paraphernalia. Upon the issuance of a license, such use may thereafter be continued for a period not to exceed one year, at which time the smoke shop or tobacco store shall renew its license. B. All smoke shops and tobacco stores currently in op...
Secondhand Dealers
Anyone buying or selling secondhand gold, silver, precious metals, gems or jewelry in Paterson must obtain a license and register with the Chief of Police, who investigates the applicant before issuance.
Paterson Secondhand Dealer License Rule
Significant RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 399-2
Each dealer conducting business within the jurisdiction of the City shall obtain a license and shall first register with the Chief of Police, who shall fingerprint and institute an investigation of the applicant's moral character and business responsibility as he deems necessary for the protection of the public welfare. Upon completion of the investigation, which in no case shall take more than...
Towing Companies
Only six towing companies may hold a City-issued license to handle Paterson's police-directed, non-consent tows. Applicants pay a nonrefundable $500 fee, pass background checks, and meet equipment standards before the City Council awards a three-year rotation contract.
Paterson Caps Rotation Tow Licenses At Six
Significant RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 453-3.A
The governing body of the City, at the beginning of the assigned period, shall appoint a maximum of six towers to be called by the Police Department on a per-incident rotational basis. In the event more than six compliant towers apply, priority will be given to full capacity towers over limited-capacity towers. A nonrefundable $500 application fee shall be paid to the City of Paterson by each a...
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Passaic County →