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🏚️ Property Maintenance/Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing: Garfield vs Hackensack

How do snow & sidewalk clearing rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Hackensack, NJ?

Garfield has fewer restrictions than Hackensack.

Garfield, NJ

Bergen County

Few Restrictions

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 β†’

Hackensack, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

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 Hackensack rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactGarfieldHackensack
Clearance deadline24 hours after storm-
First-offense fine$150-
Court appearanceNot required-
Snow placementNot in cleared streets-
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

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

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.

Hackensack 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.

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