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Paterson, NJ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Paterson, NJ, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.

Key Facts

Open burning
banned citywide
Covers
refuse, plant life, salvage ops
Trade-waste exemption
needs NJDEP approval
Max fine
$2,500
Enforced by
Air Pollution Control Director

Summary

Paterson's fire code prohibits open burning of refuse, plant life, or salvage material anywhere in the city, with only a narrow exemption for trade waste that state regulators approve.

No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit open burning of refuse or plant life nor conduct a salvage operation by open burning.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).

Full Breakdown

Section 105-4 of the Paterson City Code makes it unlawful to cause, suffer, allow or permit open burning of refuse or plant life, or to run a salvage operation by open burning, anywhere in the city. The only carve-out, under § 105-5, covers certain trade waste, and only where no other disposal method exists without hazard to health or property and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has approved a filed affidavit. Violations fall under § 105-24, enforced by the Health Division's Director of Air Pollution Control.

Violations & Fines

Violating this chapter is punishable by a fine up to $2,500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or up to 90 days community service; each day of continued burning is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my Paterson yard?
No. City Code § 105-4 bans open burning of plant life citywide; use the city's yard-waste collection or drop-off program instead of burning.
Is any open burning ever allowed in Paterson?
Only limited trade waste burning, and only when no safer disposal method exists and the NJDEP has approved a filed affidavit under § 105-5.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Paterson

Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFireworksSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Paterson rules

How Paterson compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey fire regulations overview

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