Fort Lee vs Garfield
How do snow & sidewalk clearing rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Fort Lee.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Property owners in Bergen County are required by municipal ordinance to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property, typically within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall ends, under authority granted by N.J.S.A. 40:65-12.
View full Fort Lee rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield requires owners and tenants of property abutting public sidewalks to remove snow and ice within 24 hours after a storm ends, with a first-offense fine of $150 and a ban on shoveling snow back into cleared streets.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| State Authority | N.J.S.A. 40:65-12 | - |
| Residential Window | Typically 12 to 24 hours | - |
| Commercial Window | Often 4 to 6 hours | - |
| County Roads | Bergen County DPW handles | - |
| Liability | Commercial owners face higher risk | - |
| Clearance deadline | - | 24 hours after storm |
| First-offense fine | - | $150 |
| Court appearance | - | Not required |
| Snow placement | - | Not in cleared streets |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
How quickly must I clear my sidewalk after snow in Bergen County?
Most Bergen County municipalities require sidewalk clearing within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall ends. Commercial properties often face shorter deadlines of 4 to 6 hours.
Am I liable if someone slips on my unshoveled sidewalk?
Commercial property owners in New Jersey are legally liable for sidewalk injuries. Residential owner liability depends on circumstances, though municipal fines apply to both.
Garfield FAQ
How long do I have to clear my sidewalk after it snows in Garfield?
Snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks and gutters within 24 hours after the storm ends or the ice forms, by the abutting property owner or tenant.
Can I shovel snow from my driveway into the street in Garfield?
No. Shoveling, throwing, or placing snow or ice into a street that has already been cleared by the city or another agency is prohibited and may trigger a snow-removal violation.
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