Union County, NJ Ordinances (2026)

Union County is densely developed with minimal wildfire risk, but the Watchung Reservation (2,143 acres) and portions of the Rahway River Parkway fall under NJ Forest Fire Service Division B jurisdiction. Municipal property maintenance codes require weed and brush abatement…

Union County is urban/suburban with low wildfire risk — not a designated NJ Forest Fire Service high-hazard zone. NJ Forest Fire Service (N.J.S.A. 13:9-1) regulates statewide; Pine Barrens face stricter rules elsewhere.

Consumer fireworks are illegal in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1. Only sparklers, handheld sparkling devices, and ground-based novelty items (legalized 2017, P.L. 2017 c.74) are permitted. $500 fine for first offense.

Open burning is generally prohibited in New Jersey under NJDEP regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2). All outdoor fires must use elevated, approved containers. Burning leaves, grass, or trash is illegal statewide.

Fire pits are legal in Union County municipalities if using approved elevated containers per NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70). UCC-approved containers must be 15 ft from structures; non-approved must be 25 ft away.

Union County municipalities provide weekly trash collection and mandatory recycling under the NJ Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11). Elizabeth Department of Public Works handles collection directly; Westfield, Summit, Cranford contract…

Union County municipalities provide scheduled bulk pickup; Union County Utilities Authority (UCUA) also operates a Household Special Waste facility in Rahway. Elizabeth runs monthly bulk collection by ward. Westfield, Summit, and Cranford require appointments. Appliances must…

Mandatory recycling under NJ Statewide Mandatory Source Separation Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11) and Union County Solid Waste Management Plan. Residential and commercial recyclables include paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum/steel cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Union County Utilities…

Union County municipalities require bins placed curbside on collection day with lids closed, retrieved within 24 hours. Elizabeth Chapter 8.20 prohibits bins in public view between pickups in R-1/R-2 zones. Westfield and Summit enforce aesthetic screening requirements. Downtown…

Union County municipalities require property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 12-24 hours after snowfall. Elizabeth Chapter 12.04 requires clearance within 24 hours. Westfield 24 hours. Summit 12 hours after snowfall ends. Cranford 24 hours. Clear path minimum…

Union County municipalities enforce property maintenance standards during and after garage sales. Elizabeth Chapter 6.08 requires display items removed end-of-day. Westfield §11-14 mandates same-day cleanup. Summit Chapter 155 similar. Items cannot remain at curb between sale…

Elizabeth Code §3-4 and Union County municipalities require vacant lot maintenance: grass below 10 inches, trash removal, secure perimeter. Vacant Property Registration mandatory under N.J.S.A. 55:19-78.

Elizabeth Code §3-4 requires trash and recycling containers to be stored out of view between collection days. Bins may be placed curbside evening before pickup and retrieved same day.

Elizabeth enforces IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code) via Code Ch. 5.44. Blight conditions: peeling paint, broken windows, debris. 10–30 day compliance, then fines $100–$1,250/day.

Union County municipalities enforce weed abatement under local property maintenance codes. Elizabeth Chapter 6.08 requires grass and weeds under 10 inches; the City clears non-compliant lots and assesses costs as tax liens under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.13. Linden, Plainfield, and…

Rainwater harvesting is permitted throughout Union County for non-potable residential use with no statewide restrictions. NJ DEP promotes rain barrels through the Rutgers Water Resources Program. Rain barrels typically exempt from permits under NJ Uniform Construction Code…

Artificial turf permitted in Union County residential properties with proper drainage. Some municipalities restrict in front yards or historic districts. Stormwater and heat island concerns shape regulation.

New Jersey encourages native plantings through Rutgers Cooperative Extension and NJDEP programs. No statewide mandate, but municipalities increasingly adopt native plant incentives. Invasive species removal advised.

NJDEP may issue statewide drought restrictions during water emergencies. NJ American Water and Elizabethtown Water serve much of Union County. Local watering schedules imposed during drought watches.

Public tree maintenance in Union County is handled by municipal Shade Tree Commissions under the NJ Shade Tree Act (N.J.S.A. 40:64-1). Property owners responsible for trees overhanging sidewalks and streets.

Property maintenance standards (including grass height) are enforced by individual municipalities in Union County. Typical NJ limits are 10–12 inches. Municipalities may abate overgrown vegetation at owner's expense and lien the property.

NJDEP requires all NJ municipalities to adopt tree removal-replacement ordinances as part of MS4 stormwater permit compliance (since Nov. 2022). Individual municipalities set permit requirements and replacement ratios.

Elizabeth and Union County towns allow political signs on private property with minimal size restriction. Signs in public right-of-way prohibited. Content-neutrality required under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015).

Elizabeth requires a garage sale permit (Code §3-28, $5 fee) and limits signage to on-site only. Union Township caps at 2 sales/year per household and allows small directional signs.

Union County municipalities permit residential holiday decorations without permits. Displays must not obstruct sight lines or create fire/electrical hazards. Elizabeth's noise ordinance applies to sound-producing displays.

Union County zoning setbacks vary by municipality and district. Elizabeth Land Development Code Chapter 20 establishes R-1 front setbacks of 25 ft, side 5-8 ft, rear 25 ft. Westfield §13.03 requires 30 ft front, 10 ft side, 35 ft rear in RS-24. Summit requires larger setbacks in…

Union County height limits vary by municipality and zone. Elizabeth R-1 allows 35 ft/2.5 stories; commercial zones vary. Westfield residential 35 ft (§13.03); downtown mixed-use up to 50 ft. Summit residential 35 ft. Elizabeth Midtown and Bayway industrial zones permit taller…

Union County lot coverage limits range 25-60% depending on zone. Elizabeth R-1 permits 35% building coverage plus 25% additional impervious. Westfield RS-24 caps building coverage at 20%, RS-8 at 30%. Summit RA 25% building coverage. NJ Stormwater Management Rules N.J.A.C. 7:8…

Home cannabis cultivation remains illegal in New Jersey despite recreational legalization. NJ Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement and Assistance Act (CREAMMA, N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31 et seq., 2021) legalized adult-use possession but did NOT legalize home cultivation. NJ is one of only a…

Union County municipalities split on cannabis retail. Elizabeth permits adult-use dispensaries in commercial zones via Ordinance 4689 with 1,000 ft school buffer. Linden, Rahway, and Hillside permit. Westfield, Summit, Cranford, New Providence, and Scotch Plains opted out via…

Union County is under NJ DEP Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. Major development (1+ acre disturbance, 0.25+ acre impervious, or 1,000 sq ft new impervious) requires stormwater management plan under N.J.A.C. 7:8. Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, and other…

Union County Soil Conservation District enforces NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.) for projects disturbing 5,000+ sq ft. Certified Plans required; District inspects. Silt fence, stabilized entrance, erosion blankets standard. Elizabeth, Linden…

Union County municipalities regulate grading and drainage through building codes and engineering review. Elizabeth Chapter 15.04 requires grading permits for significant earthwork. Westfield §13.14 requires site plan review for grading. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighbors…

Union County shoreline along Arthur Kill, Newark Bay, and lower Elizabeth River falls under NJ Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA, N.J.S.A. 13:19-1) and Waterfront Development Act (N.J.S.A. 12:5-3). Elizabeth waterfront (Port, Elizabethport, Peterstown) requires NJ DEP Land…

Union County municipalities participate in FEMA's NFIP. NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.A.C. 7:13) regulates development in flood hazard areas. County manages mosquito control and drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk.

Union County municipalities require special event permits for amplified sound in public spaces. Elizabeth Chapter 10.16 limits amplified sound to 65 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at residential property lines, matching N.J.A.C. 7:29. EWR airport noise overlay affects outdoor…

Union County municipalities restrict leaf blower operation by hour, with Westfield, Summit, and Maplewood-adjacent Cranford imposing seasonal gas-blower limits. Elizabeth Code Chapter 10.16 ties blower noise to the general noise ordinance (7 AM to 10 PM weekdays). NJ Noise…

Union County defers to municipal noise ordinances. NJDEP Noise Code (N.J.A.C. 7:29) sets statewide standards: 65 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) at residential property lines. NJ is one of few states with a statewide noise code.

Dog noise complaints are handled by municipal animal control and police. NJ state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2) requires annual dog licensing through the municipal clerk. NJDEP nighttime noise limit of 50 dBA applies.

Construction hours are regulated by individual municipalities in Union County. Typical NJ municipal limits are 7 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays; restricted on weekends. Emergency and public utility work is exempt.

Union County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through zoning and building codes. Elizabeth Chapter 20.84 requires full cutoff fixtures for commercial lighting. Westfield §13.03M limits residential fixture lumens and requires shielding. Summit and Cranford enforce similar…

Union County municipalities (Elizabeth, Plainfield, Union Township) prohibit outdoor lighting that causes glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Elizabeth Code Ch. 5.1 Zoning requires shielded fixtures in residential zones.

Union County municipalities require permits for door-to-door commercial solicitors with background checks and visible ID. Elizabeth Chapter 5.32 requires police-issued peddler license with fingerprinting, $100-$250 fee, and 9 AM-7 PM hour restriction. Westfield, Summit…

Several Union County municipalities maintain no-knock registries. Elizabeth operates a Do Not Knock list through the Police Department. Westfield, Summit, and Cranford maintain opt-out lists distributed to permitted solicitors. Residents can post 'No Soliciting' signs which…

Most Union County municipalities prohibit backyard chickens due to dense suburban development. Elizabeth Chapter 6.04 bans all fowl in residential zones. Westfield, Summit, Cranford, and Linden prohibit chickens by zoning. Scotch Plains and Berkeley Heights (larger lots) permit…

NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife prohibits feeding of black bears (N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.25) statewide. Union County municipalities also restrict feeding of deer, feral cats, and waterfowl to prevent nuisance conditions.

No breed-specific legislation exists in Union County or NJ. The NJ Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dog Act (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq.) uses a behavior-based approach rather than banning specific breeds.

Beekeeping in New Jersey requires registration with the NJ Department of Agriculture under the Apiary Act (N.J.S.A. 4:6-9.1 et seq.). Individual municipalities may have additional zoning restrictions.

New Jersey strictly regulates exotic animal possession under N.J.S.A. 23:4-63.3. A NJDEP permit is required to possess any exotic or potentially dangerous species. NJDEP publishes a list of exempt species.

Dog leash laws are set by individual municipalities in Union County. NJ state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2) requires annual dog licensing through the municipal clerk. Dogs must be under control at all times.

Union County municipalities restrict food truck locations through vending zone designations and distance requirements. Elizabeth Chapter 5.40 prohibits vending within 200 feet of schools, 100 feet of brick-and-mortar restaurants, and near Newark Liberty Airport per Port…

Food trucks in Union County require mobile food vendor licenses from each municipality plus Union County Division of Environmental Health food service permits under N.J.A.C. 8:24 (NJ Retail Food Code). Elizabeth Chapter 5.40 requires annual license, NJ Division of Motor Vehicles…

All Union County municipalities require construction permits for swimming pools under NJ Uniform Construction Code N.J.A.C. 5:23. Elizabeth Building Department (Chapter 15.04) reviews pool applications for setbacks, barriers (4-foot minimum per NJ Barrier Subcode), electrical…

Building permits required for all pools per NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Anti-entrapment required under federal VGB Act. Electrical permits triggered for pools over 42 inches deep. Municipal zoning approval also required.

NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) requires electrical permit for 240V hot tubs. Barrier rules apply to spas over 24 inches deep. Elizabeth zoning sets placement setbacks.

NJ Barrier Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)) requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches with self-closing, self-latching gates. NJ is among the strictest states for pool barrier requirements. Compliance required at property sale.

Above-ground pools in Union County municipalities require zoning permits. Pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit per NJ UCC. Same barrier/fencing requirements apply as in-ground pools under state Barrier Subcode.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) creates Class B controlled airspace covering most of eastern Union County, severely restricting recreational drone flight without LAANC authorization. Elizabeth, Linden, Hillside, Union, Kenilworth, and Roselle lie largely within EWR's…

Commercial drone operators in Union County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Class B airspace makes commercial operations highly complex; LAANC or formal FAA airspace authorization required for any flight. EWR, Linden…

Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, and Rahway enforce juvenile curfews for minors under 18. Elizabeth Chapter 9.16 sets school-night curfew 10 PM-6 AM and weekend curfew 11 PM-6 AM. Plainfield similar hours. Exceptions for work, school events, emergencies, and accompaniment by…

Union County Parks close dusk to dawn under Union County Parks Department Rule 17. Municipal parks enforce separate closing hours: Elizabeth parks close at 10 PM (Chapter 12.20); Westfield, Summit, and Cranford at dusk or 10 PM. After-hours presence constitutes defiant trespass…

Union County designates Heritage/Specimen trees through municipal Shade Tree Commissions and Union County Parks Department. Watchung Reservation contains multiple NJ Big Tree Registry specimens. Westfield and Summit actively designate Specimen trees (24+ in DBH) with enhanced…

NJ requires Community Forestry Management Plans under N.J.S.A. 13:1L-14 et seq. Most Union County municipalities require tree removal permits. Elizabeth Shade Tree Commission (Chapter 12.16) permits removal of trees over 6 in DBH. Westfield and Summit require permits for removal…

Union County municipalities require tree replacement when permitted removals occur. Westfield Code Chapter 16 requires replacement at 1:1 to 3:1 ratio based on DBH. Elizabeth Chapter 12.16 mandates 2-inch caliper replacements. Summit and Cranford require native or adapted…

Union County municipalities limit garage sales to 2-4 per household per year. Elizabeth Chapter 5.44 caps at 2 sales per year, 3 consecutive days each. Westfield, Cranford, and Summit each cap at 2 per year. Plainfield allows 3 per year. Limits prevent residential properties…

Union County municipalities restrict garage sale hours to daytime. Elizabeth Chapter 5.44 allows 8 AM-6 PM. Westfield 8 AM-5 PM. Summit and Cranford 9 AM-5 PM. No Sunday-morning early starts before 9 AM. Sales must conclude and signs removed daily. Items left at curb after hours…

Most Union County municipalities require free or low-cost garage sale permits. Elizabeth Chapter 5.44 requires permit from City Clerk, no fee, limit 2 sales per year. Westfield permits through Town Clerk, $5 fee. Summit requires free permit. Cranford and Scotch Plains require…

Union County municipalities regulate fence materials through local zoning. Elizabeth Chapter 20.84 permits wood, vinyl, chain-link (with restrictions), and wrought iron in residential zones; barbed wire prohibited except on industrial properties along NJ Turnpike/Routes 1-9…

Elizabeth and Union County municipalities require building permits for retaining walls over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) per N.J.A.C. 5:23. Engineered plans required for walls over 4 ft or with surcharge.

NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14) mandates minimum 4-ft pool barriers. Elizabeth and most Union County towns require 5-ft fences with self-closing, self-latching gates. Mandatory at pool permit inspection.

New Jersey has no statutory fence cost-sharing requirement. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. NJ common law recognizes the spite fence doctrine, allowing courts to order removal of malicious fences.

Fence height limits are set by municipal zoning codes in Union County. Typical NJ limits: 6 ft rear/side yards, 3–4 ft front yards. Pool fencing must meet NJ Barrier Subcode (48 inches minimum).

Most Union County municipalities require zoning permits for fence installation. Under NJ UCC, fences generally do not require a building permit under 6 ft, but zoning permits are typically required.

NJ Cottage Food Operator Permit (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11) allows home-based baked goods sales up to $50,000/year. Elizabeth and Union County defer to state rules. Direct-to-consumer sales only.

NJ Family Day Care Sponsor Organization registration (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-16) required for 3–5 children. Up to 5 unrelated children allowed in Union County residential zones with state registration.

Home occupations in Union County municipalities are generally prohibited from displaying external signage. No visible evidence of business activity is permitted in residential zones under NJ MLUL conventions.

Home occupation rules in Union County municipalities typically limit customer traffic to maintain residential character. Off-street parking requirements must be met. Specific limits vary by municipality.

Home occupations are regulated by individual municipal zoning codes in Union County under the NJ MLUL (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1). Typical rules: no outside employees, no external signage, incidental to residential use.

Elizabeth enforces overnight street parking restrictions (Code Ch. 7.12) — alternate-side rules 2 AM–6 AM with street cleaning schedule. Union Township and Roselle Park also restrict overnight parking.

NJ's EV Act (N.J.S.A. 27:26A-10) requires new construction to include EV-ready spaces. Elizabeth permits Level 2 residential chargers with electrical permit. N.J.S.A. 46:8B-15.2 prohibits condo associations from banning EV installation.

Elizabeth Code Ch. 7.24 prohibits abandoned vehicles on streets (72-hr limit) or visible on private property. NJ's Abandoned Vehicle Law (N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1) governs removal and auction.

Commercial vehicle parking in residential areas is regulated by individual municipalities in Union County. Many NJ suburban communities prohibit overnight truck parking and limit commercial vehicles to a single van/truck under 5,000 lbs stored in a garage.

Driveway construction requires zoning permits from the local municipality. Impervious coverage is regulated as part of stormwater management requirements. NJDEP MS4 permit requirements affect driveway design.

RV and boat storage in residential zones is regulated by individual municipal zoning codes in Union County. NJ's dense suburban character means most communities restrict RV storage to rear yards or garages.

Street parking regulations are set by individual municipalities in Union County under N.J.S.A. 39:4-138. Many suburban Union County communities restrict or ban overnight street parking. County roads follow NJ Title 39.

Elizabeth has one of NJ's strongest rent control ordinances (Code Ch. 3.24). Annual increases capped at CPI, typically 4–5%. Elizabeth Rent Leveling Board oversees. Plainfield and Roselle also enforce rent control.

Elizabeth requires rental unit registration and a Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) before each new tenancy (Code Ch. 5.44). NJ state law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-28) also requires Landlord Identity Registration.

New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) provides statewide just-cause eviction protection — one of the strongest in the US. Landlords in Elizabeth and all Union County towns must prove a statutory cause.

Elizabeth requires building and electrical permits for solar installations under N.J.A.C. 5:23 (NJ Uniform Construction Code). NJ's Solar Easement Act (N.J.S.A. 46:3-24) protects solar access. Net metering available statewide.

New Jersey's Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) prohibits HOAs in Union County condos and planned developments from banning solar panels. Reasonable aesthetic guidelines permitted but cannot effectively prohibit installation.

Elizabeth enforces occupancy through its Property Maintenance Code and N.J. Hotel & Multiple Dwelling Law (N.J.S.A. 55:13A). Typical limit: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional.

Union County municipalities typically require $500K–$1M liability coverage for STR hosts. NJ hotel occupancy tax (N.J.S.A. 54:32D) applies. Standard homeowner policies usually exclude commercial rental activity.

Union County has no county-level STR ordinance. Short-term rental regulation is handled by individual municipalities. NJ does not have statewide STR permit requirements; each municipality decides its own licensing rules.

STR guests must comply with their municipality's noise ordinance and NJDEP statewide limits of 50 dBA nighttime. State disorderly conduct law (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-2) covers unreasonable noise.

NJ Sales Tax of 6.625% applies to transient accommodations under 90 days statewide. Municipal occupancy tax up to 3% permitted (N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1). Platforms auto-collect NJ state sales tax.

Parking regulations are set by individual municipalities in Union County. Many NJ suburban communities restrict overnight street parking. N.J.S.A. 39:4-138 provides the state parking framework.

Elizabeth and Union County municipalities require building permits for carports under N.J.A.C. 5:23. Setbacks match accessory structure zoning (typically 3–5 ft side, 10 ft rear).

NJ's 2024 ADU law (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16) requires municipalities to permit ADUs by right — provides pathway for foundation-built tiny homes. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs. Min 400 sq ft typical.

New Jersey has no statewide ADU mandate. ADU permission depends on local zoning per NJ MLUL. Most Union County municipalities do not permit ADUs by right. Zoning board variance required in most communities.

Shed construction requires zoning permits from the local municipality. NJ UCC generally exempts sheds under 100–200 sq ft from building permits (varies by municipality). Must comply with setback requirements.

Garage conversions require building permits per NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and local zoning approval. Must maintain minimum off-street parking requirements. Full NJ UCC compliance for habitable space conversion.