Outdoor Burning: Hackensack vs Mahwah
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Hackensack and Mahwah have similar restriction levels.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Open burning in Hackensack is governed by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3) as adopted and locally enforced through Hackensack City Code Chapter 88 (Fire Prevention), originally enacted by Ordinance No. 6-2013. Open burning is prohibited unless the fire qualifies as a permitted recreational fire under the State Fire Prevention Code or has a Type 1 bonfire permit issued by the Hackensack Fire Prevention Bureau. State air pollution rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 generally prohibit open burning of refuse, leaves, and yard waste statewide.
View full Hackensack rules →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah prohibits open burning on public property and requires a permit from the Bureau of Fire Prevention for bonfires, with leaf, rubbish, and waste vegetation burning banned outright.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | Hackensack Code Ch. 88 (Fire Prevention), Ord. 6-2013 (4/23/2013) | - |
| State Framework | N.J.A.C. 5:70 (Uniform Fire Code) + N.J.A.C. 7:27-2 (DEP open burning) | - |
| Refuse / Leaf / Yard-Waste Burning | Prohibited | - |
| Bonfire (Type 1) Permit | Required from Hackensack Fire Official, 10-day advance application | - |
| Bonfire Clearance | Minimum 50 feet from any structure or combustible material (IFC 307.4) | - |
| Incinerator Hours | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only (Ch. 46) | - |
| Enforcement | Hackensack Fire Prevention Bureau | - |
| Permit issuer | - | Bureau of Fire Prevention |
| Public property burning | - | Prohibited |
| Leaf burning | - | Banned |
| Bonfire permit | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hackensack FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Hackensack?
No. Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is prohibited under the State Fire Prevention Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3, IFC 307) and the NJDEP open-burning rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Hackensack offers municipal yard-waste collection instead.
Do I need a permit for a bonfire in Hackensack?
Yes. A Type 1 permit under N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7 must be obtained in advance from the Hackensack Fire Official. Applications must be submitted at least ten days before the planned fire and require written authorization from the property owner.
What is the difference between a bonfire and a recreational fire?
A recreational fire is a small fire (under three feet in diameter, two feet high) used for cooking or warmth and does not require a permit. A bonfire is a larger ceremonial fire and requires a Type 1 permit, plus a 50-foot clearance from any structure or combustible material under IFC 307.4.
Mahwah FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in Mahwah?
No. Burning leaves, rubbish, and waste vegetation is prohibited in Mahwah. Use Township curbside leaf collection or compost the material instead.
How do I get a bonfire permit in Mahwah?
Contact the Mahwah Township Bureau of Fire Prevention to apply. The Fire Official inspects the proposed site and conditions before issuing a written permit.
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