Moving to Englewood, NJ?
Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.
Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Englewood across 23 categories and 74 specific rules we track.
🔊 Noise OrdinancesFull noise ordinances guide →
Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.
Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits animal noise audible beyond the owner's property for 10 minutes continuous or 30 minutes intermittent, with complaints handled by the Department of Health.
Industrial Noise
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 286 caps impulsive industrial sound at 80 decibels at the receiving property line and treats repeated impulses as continuous sound subject to Tables I and II.
Leaf Blower Rules
Some RestrictionsNonresidential landscaping operators in Englewood may not operate power tools or yard equipment between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. weekdays, or 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays.
Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 286 establishes nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with significantly reduced maximum sound levels measured at the receiving property line.
Amplified Music & Events
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates amplified music using a plainly audible standard, and requires a permit from the Noise Control Officer for sound trucks or amplified political activity.
Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction and demolition activity in Englewood is prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays.
🏠 Short-Term RentalsFull short-term rentals guide →
If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.
Taxes & Fees
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires every short-term rental to obtain a license under Chapter 325, Article IX (Ord. 23-09, adopted May 16, 2023): $250 initial application fee and $200 annual renewal. Stays of 89 days or less are subject to NJ Sales Tax (6.625%, N.J.S.A. 54:32B), the State Occupancy Fee (5%, N.J.S.A. 54:32D-1), and Englewood's 3% Municipal Occupancy Tax under Chapter 389 (authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1) - a combined 14.625% on the rent.
Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood, NJ bans short-term rentals of dwelling units for 31 days or fewer when consideration is received, with very limited exceptions for unpaid house guests of the owner.
Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood short-term rentals must comply with the citywide Noise Control Ordinance, Chapter 286, adopted from the NJDEP Model Noise Ordinance (Ord. 20-03). Residential exterior limits are 65 dBA daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 50 dBA nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), with impulsive sound capped at 80 dBA at night. STR Article IX violations - including loud or disorderly use - are public nuisances per se carrying fines up to $1,250 per day.
Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsUnder Chapter 325, Article IX (Ord. 23-09), Englewood short-term rentals must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom. Properties without a paved driveway, garage, or carport are limited to two on-street locations directly in front of the STR. Total occupancy is capped at two adults per bedroom and no more than eight persons overall, which limits practical parking demand.
🔥 Fire RegulationsFull fire regulations guide →
Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.
Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 129 prohibits accumulation of brush, grass, weeds, and debris on private property. Owners must maintain lots, and the city may remove growth at the owner's expense after notice if violations are not promptly corrected.
Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks in Englewood are governed by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq. and 21:3-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Only non-explosive, non-aerial hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices, snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers are legal for personal use; aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Englewood enforces the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code locally under Chapter 212 (Fire Prevention) of the City Code, adopted October 5, 2004 under the Uniform Fire Safety Act.
🚗 Parking RulesFull parking rules guide →
Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.
Driveway Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires residential driveways to be at least 8 feet wide with curb cuts between 10 and 20 feet, depressed 5.5 inches at the curb.
EV Charging
Some RestrictionsEnglewood adopted the New Jersey model EV ordinance, requiring a portion of new development parking to include charging stations or make-ready spaces.
Commercial Vehicle Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits one-family residence properties to one commercial vehicle, capped at three-quarter-ton capacity, and prohibits trucks over four tons on streets overnight.
Street Parking Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits parking any vehicle on a city street for more than 48 consecutive hours, with violators subject to nuisance removal and towing.
RV & Boat Parking
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires boats and recreational vehicles in residential districts to be stored inside a garage or carport, or screened in a rear yard.
Abandoned Vehicles
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits storing abandoned or junked vehicles in the open and authorizes police-ordered removal after 10 days written notice.
🧱 Fence RegulationsFull fence regulations guide →
Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.
Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires a zoning permit before erecting or structurally altering any fence, with applications filed with the Chief Inspector.
Height Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits residential fences to 6.5 feet overall, with front yard fences capped at 4.5 feet under the city zoning code.
Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsEnglewood treats retaining walls under fence height limits and requires detailed engineering submittals for site plan review.
Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 385 requires pool barrier fences with self-closing, lockable gates around private pools deeper than 18 inches.
🐔 Animal OrdinancesFull animal ordinances guide →
Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.
Breed Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires special licensing and muzzling for dogs declared vicious or potentially dangerous, focusing on behavior rather than breed.
Animal Hoarding
Some RestrictionsEnglewood caps cats and dogs at six per household combined, with additional pets requiring written approval from the Health Officer.
Chickens & Livestock
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits residents to six hens per tract, prohibits roosters, and requires an annual license through the Board of Health.
Wildlife Feeding
Some RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits feeding unconfined wildlife in any public park or City-owned property, plus feeding stray unlicensed cats anywhere in town.
Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires dogs off the owner's property to be on a leash no longer than six feet, including the hand grip.
🌿 Landscaping RulesFull landscaping rules guide →
From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.
Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsEnglewood's Chapter 425 governs trimming and pruning of regulated trees, with the City Engineer overseeing permits and replacement requirements when work damages protected specimens.
Grass Height Limits
Few RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 129 prohibits accumulation of overgrown brush, grass, and weeds on any property within the City, with code enforcement empowered to compel cutting.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 425 requires a City Engineer permit or waiver before removing any regulated tree, with project permits triggered at three or more removals per five-year window.
Composting
Few RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 129 Article II governs yard waste handling, while Chapter 364 covers solid waste and recycling, including how leaves and grass clippings must be managed in the City.
Weed Ordinances
Few RestrictionsEnglewood's Article III on Invasive Plants restricts planting, cultivating, and growing designated invasive species, layered atop standard nuisance-weed rules in Chapter 129.
💼 Home BusinessFull home business guide →
Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.
Home Daycare
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood's Board of Health regulates small family child care homes under Chapter 477, requiring staff health screenings, incident reporting, and nutrition standards beyond state licensing.
Signage Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates all signs visible from public rights-of-way under Article XV, prohibiting flashing or moving illumination and limiting billboards to the Light Industrial district.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits home occupations to activity within the principal building, prohibits outdoor storage, and restricts staffing to preserve residential character and minimize traffic impacts.
Zoning Restrictions
Some RestrictionsEnglewood permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones, subject to floor area limits, employee caps, and operational requirements that preserve neighborhood residential character.
🏊 Swimming Pools & SpasFull swimming pools & spas guide →
Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.
Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires private pools deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a fence or wall designed to prevent unauthorized access by children or trespassers.
Above-Ground Pools
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood treats above-ground pools as private pools under Chapter 385, requiring permits, plan approval, and fencing whenever water depth exceeds 18 inches.
Pool Permits
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires a permit from the Chief Inspector before constructing or establishing any private swimming pool or wading pool within the city limits.
Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires private pools to be maintained in safe, sanitary condition with cleanable waterproof materials and approved enclosures preventing unauthorized access.
🏗️ Accessory StructuresFull accessory structures guide →
Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.
ADU Rules
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood does not generally authorize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a freestanding permitted use in its one-family residence districts. Chapter 250 (Land Use) of the Englewood Code, adopted under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), limits residential zones to one-family dwellings plus accessory buildings/uses with coverage caps. Accessory apartments are addressed only through the city's affordable housing program and overlay zones (Ordinance 23-22 and successor amendments).
Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood regulates sheds and accessory buildings under Chapter 250 Land Use, requiring compliance with district setback rules, lot coverage limits, and building permit review through the Code Enforcement Department.
🌍 Environmental RulesFull environmental rules guide →
Flood Zones
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 222 prohibits construction or alteration in special flood hazard areas without compliance, and requires substantial damage records reported to NJDEP.
Grading & Drainage
Some RestrictionsEnglewood combines Chapter 358 soil disturbance controls with Chapter 370 surface drainage rules to govern grading, regrading, and on-site drainage during development.
Erosion Control
Some RestrictionsEnglewood's Chapter 358 controls soil erosion, sedimentation, and soil removal during development through plan certification, permit fees, and a certificate of occupancy condition.
Stormwater Management
Some RestrictionsEnglewood enforces Chapter 374 stormwater management and Chapter 370 surface drainage rules to protect property and water quality from regulated development activities.
🌱 Cannabis RegulationsFull cannabis regulations guide →
🪧 Sign RegulationsFull sign regulations guide →
Holiday Displays
Few RestrictionsEnglewood expressly permits nonpermanent signs and lighting displays celebrating national, state, local, religious, or cultural holidays, while still prohibiting flashing or moving illumination citywide.
Garage Sale Signs
Few RestrictionsEnglewood requires a permit for garage sales and limits advertising signs to 18 by 24 inches, with mandatory removal by 6:00 p.m. on the last day of the sale.
🏚️ Property MaintenanceFull property maintenance guide →
Property Blight
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires residential grounds to be kept trimmed and free of overgrowth so that conditions do not deteriorate or harm neighboring properties.
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires vacant and abandoned residential and commercial properties to be registered annually with the city, with extra fees for ongoing code violations.
Trash Bin Storage
Few RestrictionsEnglewood prohibits placing refuse or collection containers on the street or in a manner that obstructs pedestrian passage on public sidewalks awaiting collection.
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
Some RestrictionsEnglewood property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends or after ice has formed on the walkway.
Garage Sale Rules
Few RestrictionsEnglewood requires a permit from the City Clerk before any garage sale, limits sales to two days, and caps signs at 18 by 24 inches.
💡 Outdoor LightingFull outdoor lighting guide →
🔑 Rental Property RulesFull rental property rules guide →
Rental Registration
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood requires landlords to register rental properties and obtain a new certificate of occupancy each time a tenant changes. Chapter 319 also mandates registration for vacant and foreclosure properties, with annual fees and inspection requirements.
Rent Control
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 325 limits rent increases on covered units through rent control on substandard housing and a rent leveling ordinance. A local Rent Leveling Board reviews increases, hardship petitions, and tenant complaints under city law.
🗑️ Trash & RecyclingFull trash & recycling guide →
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 364 governs collection hours and conduct, prohibiting Sunday pickup and limiting weekday residential collection to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with Department of Public Works enforcement.
Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 364 requires every solid waste generator in the City to source-separate designated recyclables, with the Director of Public Works serving as the City's Recycling Coordinator and enforcement official.
Bulk Item Disposal
Few RestrictionsEnglewood regulates leaf and yard waste under a ward-based collection schedule, prohibiting plastic bags, banning commingled disposal with solid waste, and assigning designated curb-set-out windows in fall.
Bin Placement Rules
Few RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 364 sets standards for placement of solid waste and recycling containers at the curb, including timing, blocking sidewalks, and protecting stormwater drainage during leaf and yard set-out.
🍔 Food Trucks & Mobile VendorsFull food trucks & mobile vendors guide →
Vending Zones
Some RestrictionsEnglewood limits food trucks to private property in the Light Industrial (L-I) Zones and the Research, Industry and Medical (RIM) Zone. The Planned Unit Development Overlay (PUD-1) areas north and south of Route 4 are excluded from mobile vending.
Food Truck Permits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires mobile retail food vendors to obtain a peddler's license under the city's peddling and soliciting ordinance. Trucks may operate only 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., on private property in approved zones, with a $100 annual fee.
🚪 Soliciting & Door-to-DoorFull soliciting & door-to-door guide →
Solicitor Permits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 311 requires peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants to obtain a city license before engaging in door-to-door sales.
No-Knock Registry
Some RestrictionsEnglewood maintains a no-canvass registry through the City Clerk for owners refusing real estate solicitation contacts at their properties.
🌙 Curfew LawsFull curfew laws guide →
📐 Building Setbacks & ZoningFull building setbacks & zoning guide →
Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood caps impervious surface coverage at 67 percent of lot area for townhouse and other multiple-family residential uses.
Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Article XI sets minimum side and rear yard setbacks, including a three-foot side and ten-foot rear minimum in one-family districts.
🌳 Tree ProtectionFull tree protection guide →
Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsEnglewood requires replacement plantings for permitted tree removals, or a contribution of at least $300 per replacement to the Environmental Commission Tree Fund when on-site planting is impractical.
Heritage & Protected Trees
Heavy RestrictionsEnglewood's City Council may designate landmark trees of abnormal size, history, or aesthetic value, recording each in a Landmark Tree Register for protection and monitoring.
Tree Removal Permits
Some RestrictionsEnglewood Chapter 425 requires a project permit from the City Engineer to remove three or more regulated trees within a five-year period, and a permit waiver for fewer than three.
🏷️ Garage & Yard SalesFull garage & yard sales guide →
Frequency Limits
Few RestrictionsEnglewood limits each property to one garage sale permit per calendar month, with no single sale lasting more than two consecutive days.
Time Restrictions
Few RestrictionsEnglewood limits garage sales to the hours between 9:00 a.m. and sunset on each permitted day, with no early or after-dark selling allowed.
Garage Sale Permits
Few RestrictionsEnglewood requires a permit from the City Clerk before holding any garage sale, with permit number displayed on signs and at the sale.
Overall: What to Expect in Englewood
Englewood has 74 ordinances on file across 23 categories. Of these, 13 are rated permissive, 46 moderate, and 15 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Englewood compared to other cities.
Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.