Moving to Lakewood, NJ?

Lakewood's noise ordinance covers animal noise as part of general noise prohibitions. Chapter 5 (Animal Control) also governs pet owner responsibilities including waste removal and proper containment. Persistent animal noise constitutes a nuisance violation.

Lakewood exempts necessary construction or demolition noise during daytime hours between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM from noise prohibitions. Emergency repairs are also exempt at all hours.

Lakewood Chapter BH16 (Noise Regulations) prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise detrimental to public health and comfort. Special permits limit sound to 60 dBA. Holiday exemptions extend permitted noise hours to 7 AM – 2 AM the following day.

Lakewood Township has no short-term-rental-specific ordinance. Any rented dwelling, including a transient or vacation rental, is governed by Chapter 15 (Rental Housing) of the Township Code. Before leasing, the owner must obtain a Rental Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Code Enforcement and Zoning, and the inspector posts a maximum-occupancy notice in the unit that the landlord and tenant may not exceed.

Lakewood Township's Chapter 15 (Rental Housing) does not impose a numeric liability-insurance minimum on landlords or short-term-rental hosts. There is no Lakewood-specific STR ordinance, and New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 54:32D and the 2018 transient-accommodations amendments) likewise does not set a coverage floor. Hosts should still confirm coverage with their insurer because standard New Jersey homeowner policies typically exclude commercial or transient-rental use.

Lakewood requires rental housing certificates of approval and mercantile licenses with associated fees. NJ sales tax of 6.625% applies to transient accommodations under 90 days. Municipalities may impose up to 3% occupancy tax under N.J.S.A. 40:48F-1.

Rental property tenants in Lakewood must comply with Chapter BH16 noise regulations. Construction noise is exempt only between 7 AM and 8 PM. Special event permits cap sound at 60 dBA. Property owners are responsible for tenant compliance.

Rental properties in Lakewood must provide off-street parking in accordance with the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS). Vehicles must be parked on approved surfaces. The Unified Development Ordinance governs parking requirements by zoning district.

Lakewood regulates rental housing under Chapter 15, requiring certificates of approval and/or mercantile licenses for all rental properties including hotels, boarding houses, and rooming houses. The ordinance applies retroactively to all existing rental operations.

Outdoor burning in Lakewood is regulated under the NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), enforced by the Ocean County Bureau of Fire Safety. Open burning is generally prohibited. Permits may be required from the NJ Forest Fire Service for certain activities.

Fire pits in Lakewood fall under the NJ Uniform Fire Code. Recreational fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Permanent fire pits may require permits. Fires may be ordered extinguished if smoke becomes offensive or conditions hazardous.

Consumer fireworks are illegal in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 21:3-1. Only sparklers, ground-based fountains, smoke devices, and novelty items are legal for persons 16+ since 2017. The Ocean County Bureau of Fire Safety enforces fire code in Lakewood.

Lakewood regulates street parking through its traffic ordinances with designated no-parking zones and time-limited areas. Off-street parking requirements follow RSIS standards. The Zoning Office reviews parking compliance for all developments.

Lakewood requires all vehicles to be parked on designated surfaces. Driveway construction and modifications require zoning and/or building permits. Impervious coverage limits apply per zoning district under the Unified Development Ordinance.

RV and recreational vehicle parking in Lakewood is governed by the Unified Development Ordinance. Vehicles must be parked on approved surfaces, not lawns. Specific restrictions vary by zoning district. Unregistered vehicles are not permitted outside enclosed structures.

Lakewood regulates commercial vehicle parking through its zoning and traffic ordinances. Commercial vehicles are restricted in residential zones per the Unified Development Ordinance. Fire zone and fire lane parking is prohibited at all times.

Lakewood regulates fence heights through the Unified Development Ordinance. Typical NJ residential standards apply: up to 6 feet in rear/side yards and up to 4 feet in front yards. Specific limits should be confirmed with the Zoning Office.

Lakewood requires zoning approval and a building permit for all fence construction. The basic zoning permit fee is $35. Pool fencing has additional requirements. Fences, like all accessory structures, must comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.

New Jersey has no statutory cost-sharing for boundary fences. In Lakewood, fences must comply with setback requirements and not impede drainage to adjacent properties. Boundary disputes are civil matters.

Lakewood requires all dogs to be leashed and under owner control when off their property, per NJ state law. Dog owners must immediately remove feces from public areas and private property. All dogs must be licensed. The Animal Control Officer conducts monthly inspections.

Lakewood does not appear to have a specific beekeeping ordinance. NJ state law requires registration of hives with the State Apiarist under N.J.S.A. 4:6-9 et seq. Beekeepers must verify compliance with their zoning district.

New Jersey has restrictive exotic animal laws under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.1 et seq. Most exotic species require a NJDEP permit. Lakewood enforces state requirements through its Animal Control division.

Lakewood does not have breed-specific legislation. New Jersey follows a behavior-based approach under the Vicious and Potentially Dangerous Dog Act (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq.).

Lakewood Chapter 16 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to keep lands free of brush, weeds, dead trees, and obnoxious growths. Owners must also clear grass, weeds, and brush from the street border along their property. Violations trigger a 10-day notice to comply.

Water use restrictions in Lakewood are primarily governed by NJDEP at the state level. Mandatory restrictions may be imposed during drought emergencies declared by the Governor. No permanent local watering restrictions exist.

Lakewood Chapter 19 regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction. Trees on single-family lots of one acre or less are exempt. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may be removed without restriction. Tree replacement may be required for development projects.

Lakewood requires property owners to maintain trees and remove dead, dying, or hazardous trees from their property. The Township regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction and requires appropriate tree replacement.

Lakewood permits home occupations as accessory uses in applicable residential zones under the Unified Development Ordinance. The business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residential use. Zoning permits are required.

Lakewood regulates all signage through the Unified Development Ordinance. Home occupations in residential zones are generally not permitted to display exterior business signage. Zoning and building permits are required for signs.

Home occupations in Lakewood must not generate traffic, parking, or noise impacts inconsistent with the residential neighborhood. Regular customer visits are typically restricted.

Lakewood requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high per the NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23). All pool ordinances including setback and fencing requirements remain in full force. Zoning and building permits are required.

Lakewood requires zoning approval and building permits for all swimming pool construction. Pools are accessory uses in residential zones. Adjacent vacant lots may be used for pools without lot merger if both lots are conforming and commonly owned.

Above-ground pools in Lakewood require zoning and building permits. All pool fencing and safety requirements apply regardless of pool type. The 48-inch barrier must be maintained around all pools.

Lakewood Township regulates carports as accessory buildings under Chapter 18 (Unified Development Ordinance), Article IX (Zoning Districts and Regulations). Detached accessory buildings such as garages and carports must conform to the bulk schedule for the underlying residential zone, and a Zoning Permit plus a Building Permit under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) must be obtained before construction.

Lakewood does not have a specific ADU ordinance. New Jersey lacks a statewide ADU mandate. Single-family zones generally do not permit second dwelling units. A use variance would be required.

Converting a garage to living space in Lakewood requires building permits and may require a zoning variance if required off-street parking is eliminated. The Unified Development Ordinance governs parking requirements by district.

Lakewood defines a shed as a 1-story accessory building with a maximum footprint of 200 sq ft and maximum height of 12 feet. Sheds may be placed 5 feet from side and rear property lines. No shed is permitted in the front yard setback. Permits are required for all shed sizes.

Lakewood participates in the National Flood Insurance Program since March 15, 1977. Flood damage prevention regulations require all construction in special flood hazard areas to comply with the code and NJ UCC. Violations carry fines up to $1,250.