Pop. 44,522 · Bergen County
Hackensack requires property owners to keep grass and weeds cut so vegetation does not exceed ten inches in height. The property maintenance chapter applies to all residential and commercial lots within city limits.
Hackensack does not prohibit residential rainwater harvesting. Rain barrels and small cisterns are encouraged for landscape irrigation under New Jersey water conservation policy and stormwater management goals.
Hackensack prohibits the growth of noxious weeds, brush, and uncontrolled vegetation on private property. The city may cut and remove weeds at the owner's expense if the owner fails to comply with notices.
Short-term rental guests in Hackensack must comply with Chapter 122 Noise regulations, which prohibit unreasonable noise between 10 PM and 7 AM and apply uniformly to residential properties regardless of rental status.
Hackensack short-term rental operators must collect New Jersey's 5% State Occupancy Fee plus 6.625% Sales Tax on transient stays under 90 days, plus a 3% Bergen County hotel tax where applicable.
Hackensack property maintenance and rooming house rules under Chapters 158 and 130 set occupancy limits based on bedroom size and total dwelling area. Most short-term rentals must follow the standard two-per-bedroom plus two formula.
Hackensack zoning Chapter 175 sets minimum off-street parking requirements for residential properties, generally requiring two spaces per dwelling unit. Short-term rental guest parking must remain on-property and follow citywide overnight street rules.
Hackensack does not impose a specific liability insurance mandate for short-term rentals, but Chapter 145 rental licensing and standard NJ landlord-tenant principles strongly encourage host liability coverage of at least $1 million.
Hackensack regulates rooming and boarding houses through Chapter 158 and rental units under Chapter 145. Short-term rentals are not specifically authorized in residential zones and operators face significant licensing hurdles before listing on Airbnb or VRBO.
Hackensack limits customer visits and vehicular traffic generated by home occupations to maintain neighborhood quality. Operators must control on-site parking and avoid disturbances that distinguish their property from surrounding homes.
Hackensack permits limited home occupations in residential zones provided the use is clearly secondary to the dwelling. Operators cannot alter the residential character of the property and must comply with strict accessory use standards under the city zoning code.
Hackensack strictly limits signage for home occupations to preserve residential character. Most home-based businesses are prohibited from displaying any exterior commercial signage on their property under the municipal zoning code.
Family daycare homes in Bergen County are regulated by New Jersey under the Family Day Care Provider Registration Act. Providers caring for 3-5 children must register with NJ DCF; municipal zoning may also apply.
Bergen County follows New Jersey's statewide Cottage Food Operator Permit program administered by the NJ Department of Health. Permits allow up to $50,000 annual sales of approved baked goods from home kitchens.
Hackensack follows New Jersey state law requiring make-ready EV parking spaces in new developments. Public charging stations operate citywide, with parking limited to actively charging vehicles.
Hackensack restricts overnight on-street parking in many residential areas. Permits or visitor passes are typically required between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on permitted streets.
Hackensack regulates on-street parking through posted time limits, residential permit zones, alternate-side rules, and metered areas downtown. Compliance with posted signs is mandatory citywide.
Hackensack restricts overnight parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Trucks above weight thresholds may not be parked on residential streets or driveways for extended periods.
Hackensack restricts where recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers may be parked or stored within city limits. Storage on residential streets and front yards is prohibited, with exceptions for active loading.
On Bergen County roads, driveway curb cuts require a county Road Opening Permit. Blocking driveways is prohibited statewide under N.J.S.A. 39:4-138, and each Bergen County municipality sets its own driveway parking rules.
Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.5, a vehicle left more than 48 hours on a road or unauthorized property is presumed abandoned. Bergen County Police may tow vehicles from county roads; municipalities handle local streets.
Hackensack requires a zoning permit and building permit for most new fences and replacements. Applications go through the Building Department, including a survey or site plan showing fence location, height, materials, and property lines before construction may begin.
Hackensack fences must be installed on the owner's property, not on the property line, unless neighbors have a written shared agreement. The finished side typically faces neighboring properties. Disputes between neighbors over shared fences are civil matters under New Jersey law.
Hackensack regulates retaining walls through building and zoning codes. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineered design and a building permit. Walls must address drainage, structural stability, and setbacks from property lines, with construction inspections at key stages.
Hackensack permits common fence materials including wood, vinyl, ornamental metal, and chain link. Barbed wire and electrified fences are prohibited in residential zones. All fences must be maintained in good repair, with materials and finishes reviewed for compliance during permitting.
Hackensack requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Requirements follow the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and apply to in-ground, above-ground, and certain portable pools to prevent drowning.
Hackensack restricts fence heights based on yard location. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences may reach 6 feet. Corner lots have additional sight triangle requirements to maintain traffic visibility at intersections.
Hackensack restricts construction and demolition activity to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays, excluding emergencies.
Hackensack City Code Chapter 112 (Noise), adopted by Ordinance No. 07-2018 on April 10, 2018, restricts construction noise audible off-property to 7:00 AM-6:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays/federal holidays, with no construction Sundays. Domestic power tools and lawn equipment are limited to 8:00 AM-8:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM-8:00 PM weekends/holidays. Enforcement is by the Hackensack Health Department under the New Jersey Noise Control Act (N.J.A.C. 7:29).
Aircraft noise in Bergen County, including operations at Teterboro Airport (TEB), is regulated exclusively by the Federal Aviation Administration. Neither the county nor its municipalities may set flight path, altitude, or in-flight noise rules. Local complaints are routed through the Port Authority noise office.
Bergen County does not regulate leaf blower use countywide. Each municipality independently restricts seasonal use, decibel limits, and gas-powered equipment under New Jersey's Noise Control Act. Several Bergen County towns including Maywood, Glen Rock, and Englewood have adopted strict seasonal bans.
Amplified music and sound is prohibited in Bergen County parks except for official county use or with a written permit issued by the Department of Parks. Outside the parks, amplified sound is regulated by each municipality under New Jersey's noise framework.
Industrial and commercial noise in Bergen County is enforced under New Jersey's statewide Noise Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:29, which sets dBA limits at receiving property lines. Municipalities may adopt stricter rules; the county itself does not run an industrial noise enforcement program.
Bergen County Animal Control investigates barking and nuisance dog reports referred by local police, but the underlying barking dog ordinance is set by each municipality. State law makes habitual unreasonable barking a public nuisance under New Jersey municipal authority.
Hackensack regulates pool barriers through Chapter 100 (Housing and Property Maintenance), Article III of the City Code, plus the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14) and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) adopted statewide. Private pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches high.
Swimming pool safety in Hackensack is governed by the New Jersey Swimming Pool Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.10A, adopting the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with NJ amendments) and locally enforced under Hackensack City Code Chapter 100 (Housing and Property Maintenance, adopted July 8, 2008, amended through 2016), Article III. Private pools, hot tubs, and spas containing more than 24 inches of water must be completely enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 48 inches high above finished grade.
Swimming pool construction in Bergen County requires permits issued by the local municipal building department under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. The county defers to municipalities for pool permitting, with state code setting baseline requirements.
Above-ground swimming pools in Bergen County require construction permits when over 24 inches deep, must meet barrier requirements, and follow municipal zoning standards for setbacks and placement on residential lots.
Hot tubs and spas in Bergen County require electrical permits, safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 standards, and compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code including GFCI protection and anti-entrapment drain covers.
Fireworks in Hackensack are governed primarily by New Jersey state law: N.J.S.A. 21:2-1 et seq., as amended by P.L. 2017, c. 92. Since 2017, 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. All aerial and explosive fireworks remain illegal. Hackensack's zoning code further prohibits the manufacture and storage of explosives and fireworks in all zoning districts.
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.
Recreational fires and fire pits in Hackensack are governed by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code at N.J.A.C. 5:70-3, locally enforced under Hackensack City Code Chapter 88 (Fire Prevention, Ord. 6-2013). A backyard recreational fire does not require a permit if it is no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high, is at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material (15 feet for fires in approved containers), is constantly attended by an adult, and burns only seasoned firewood. Larger bonfires require a Type 1 permit from the Hackensack Fire Official.
Propane storage in Bergen County is regulated by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 58). Residential cylinders, exchange cages, and bulk tanks must meet setback, capacity, and permit requirements enforced by local fire officials.
Bergen County property owners must maintain vegetation to prevent fire and pest hazards. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and local municipalities enforce brush clearance, particularly near structures and along roadways.
Bergen County has limited high-risk wildfire zones compared to southern New Jersey, but wooded areas in the northwest border the Ramapo Mountains and follow NJ Forest Fire Service wildland-urban interface guidelines.
Carports in Hackensack are regulated as accessory structures under the zoning code, requiring permits and compliance with setback, height, and lot coverage limits. Attached carports follow principal building setbacks.
Hackensack zoning enforces minimum dwelling unit sizes that effectively prohibit most tiny homes as primary residences. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and not permitted as permanent dwellings.
Hackensack regulates accessory dwelling units through its zoning code, with permissions varying by district. Most single-family residential zones do not permit standalone ADUs without variance approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Hackensack requires zoning permits for sheds, with size triggering full building permits. Sheds must comply with rear and side yard setbacks and lot coverage limits established in the city's zoning code.
Converting a garage into living space in Hackensack requires building permits, zoning review, and replacement parking. Conversions changing the use class trigger full Uniform Construction Code compliance and certificate of occupancy.
Hackensack City Code Chapter 52 (Dogs: Licensing and Regulation) prohibits dogs from running on any public street, park, public building, or other public place unless muzzled or controlled by an adequate leash. Owners must clean up after dogs and prevent property damage. Dogs seven months or older must be licensed with a metal registration tag worn on a collar or harness. New Jersey state law N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 et seq. governs licensing minimums.
Bergen County does not have a countywide wildlife feeding ordinance, but New Jersey prohibits feeding black bears under N.J.S.A. 23:2A-14. Many Bergen County municipalities ban feeding deer, geese, and other wildlife.
Bergen County does not regulate backyard chickens or livestock at the county level. Each of the 70 municipalities sets its own rules through local zoning and animal control ordinances, with substantial variation across towns.
Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.
Bergen County follows New Jersey's strict statewide exotic pet regulations under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. Most non-native species, including primates, large reptiles, and big cats, require state Division of Fish and Wildlife permits or are prohibited entirely.
Bergen County enforces animal hoarding cases under New Jersey's animal cruelty statutes (N.J.S.A. 4:22). Local police, county prosecutors, and the Bergen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigate hoarding complaints.
Bergen County does not regulate beekeeping countywide. New Jersey's Beekeeping Industry Act (N.J.S.A. 4:7-41 et seq.) governs hive registration with the state, while individual municipalities may impose lot-size and setback rules.
Hackensack regulates grading and drainage to prevent flooding, erosion, and impacts on neighboring properties. Significant earthwork or drainage modifications require engineering review and a grading permit through the Building Department.
Hackensack regulates development in flood hazard areas under Chapter 89 of the City Code, originally adopted December 6, 1982 and amended in its entirety on August 20, 2019. The chapter implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50 et seq. / N.J.A.C. 7:13), and Uniform Construction Code flood provisions for properties along the Hackensack River and adjacent areas.
The Bergen County Soil Conservation District enforces New Jersey's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act for projects disturbing 5,000 square feet or more. A certified plan is required before any earthwork.
Bergen County is not regulated under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act, but Hudson River and Hackensack River waterfront projects may require Waterfront Development Permits and tidal wetlands approvals from NJDEP.
Bergen County operates an MS4 stormwater program under New Jersey's Municipal Stormwater General Permit. The county Soil Conservation District enforces erosion and stormwater controls for projects disturbing 5,000 square feet or more.
Hackensack requires a tree removal permit from the Building Department before removing trees with DBH of six inches or more on private property, or any street tree with DBH of 2.5 inches or more.
Hackensack designates all public shade trees as protected and prohibits cutting, defacing, or attaching items to any shade tree without prior written permission from the City Manager under Chapter 162.
Bergen County does not impose a countywide tree replacement formula on private property. Replacement requirements are set by each municipality and by New Jersey's statewide stormwater rules (N.J.A.C. 7:8) for major development projects, which require tree planting based on disturbed canopy.
Hackensack restricts where and when trash and recycling bins may be placed at the curb. Bins must not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or roadways, and must be returned to the property after collection.
Hackensack mandates source-separated recycling under New Jersey's Mandatory Source Separation Act. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic containers from regular trash for scheduled curbside collection.
Hackensack offers periodic bulk pickup for large household items by appointment or scheduled neighborhood collection. Construction debris, hazardous waste, and white goods with refrigerants have separate disposal pathways.
Hackensack provides curbside trash collection on scheduled weekday routes, with bagged or containerized waste required. Set-out times are restricted, and unauthorized commercial waste, hazardous materials, and electronics are excluded from regular pickup.
Hackensack limits how often a household may conduct garage sales each year. Most residents are restricted to two or three permitted sales annually to discourage de facto retail activity.
Hackensack requires residents to obtain a permit before holding a garage, yard, or tag sale. Permits are issued by the City Clerk's office for a small administrative fee.
Garage sale hours in Bergen County are set by each municipality. Typical limits run 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. to dusk, often capped at one to three consecutive days, with no overnight setup or signage.
Hackensack permits garage and yard sale signs as temporary signage under Chapter 175, with strict limits on placement, size, and post-sale removal. Signs in public rights-of-way are subject to removal by the city.
Hackensack generally permits residential holiday displays under Chapter 175 zoning without requiring permits. Displays must comply with property line setbacks, lighting, and noise rules to avoid neighbor complaints.
Hackensack regulates signage under Chapter 175 zoning provisions but cannot impose content-based restrictions on political signs. Reasonable time, place, and manner rules apply equally to all temporary residential signage.
Hackensack establishes minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require larger yards than multifamily or commercial zones. Setbacks govern placement of principal buildings, accessory structures, and additions like decks or garages.
Hackensack regulates the percentage of a lot covered by buildings and impervious surfaces to manage stormwater and neighborhood character. Residential districts typically permit 30-40% building coverage, with higher allowances for total impervious coverage including driveways and patios.
Hackensack caps building heights based on zoning district. Single-family residential districts typically limit structures to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Mixed-use and downtown redevelopment zones permit taller buildings, with maximums set through redevelopment plans and site plan review.
Hackensack maintains a juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 from being in public places during late-night hours without parental accompaniment. Exceptions exist for work, emergencies, and school-sponsored activities.
Hackensack public parks close to the public during overnight hours, typically from dusk or 10:00 p.m. until sunrise. Trespass after closing is enforceable as a municipal violation by the police department.
Recreational drone use in Hackensack is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 and N.J.S.A. 2C:40-27. Hackensack parks rules and privacy ordinances may further restrict launching from city property.
Commercial drone operators in Hackensack must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, comply with Teterboro controlled airspace rules, and obtain LAANC authorization for most flights within city limits.
Hackensack residents may post No Soliciting signs that legally bar commercial solicitors from approaching their doors. The city restricts soliciting hours, typically prohibiting door-to-door activity during evening, nighttime, and early morning periods. Police investigate violations and revoke permits for noncompliant solicitors.
Hackensack requires door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers to obtain a permit from the City Clerk before conducting business in residential areas. Applicants undergo background checks and must display identification while soliciting. Religious and political canvassing is generally exempt under First Amendment protections.
Garage sales and yard sales in Bergen County are regulated by municipal ordinances, typically requiring permits, limiting frequency to 2 to 4 sales per household per year, and restricting sale hours and signage placement on public property.
Vacant lot owners in Bergen County must maintain their property free of debris, tall grass, and nuisance conditions under municipal property maintenance ordinances, with most municipalities setting maximum vegetation heights of 10 inches.
Trash bin storage and curbside placement in Bergen County are regulated by individual municipalities, not the county. Local ordinances dictate container types, placement times, and screening requirements for residential properties.
Property owners in Bergen County are required by municipal ordinance to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property, typically within 12 to 24 hours after snowfall ends, under authority granted by N.J.S.A. 40:65-12.
Property blight in Bergen County is addressed through municipal property maintenance codes adopting the International Property Maintenance Code, supplemented by New Jersey's abandoned properties law, with enforcement at the local level.
Solar panel installations in Bergen County are permitted through municipal building departments using New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code. The state's solar-friendly law (NJSA 40:55D-66.11) bars municipalities from prohibiting rooftop solar on owner-occupied homes.
New Jersey's Solar Easement Act (NJSA 46:3-24) and Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act (NJSA 45:22A-48.2) limit homeowner association power to bar rooftop solar in Bergen County. Reasonable aesthetic conditions are allowed but outright bans are not.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal throughout Bergen County and all of New Jersey. The Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) prohibits personal grow operations, even for adults 21 and over.
Bergen County does not zone cannabis dispensaries; each of 70 municipalities decides whether to allow them. Most Bergen County towns opted out of permitting cannabis retail under CREAMMA's local control provisions.
Bergen County addresses light trespass through municipal zoning codes rather than county ordinance. Most Bergen County municipalities cap illumination at property lines, typically 0.1 to 0.5 foot-candles for residential boundaries.
Bergen County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through municipal zoning codes, with most Bergen County towns requiring shielded fixtures and limiting glare in residential and commercial site plans.
All Bergen County rentals are governed by the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act, which requires landlords to demonstrate one of 18 statutory good causes before evicting a tenant. The county has no separate eviction ordinance.
All non-owner-occupied rentals in Bergen County must register with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Act. Most municipalities also impose local registration and certificate of occupancy requirements.
Bergen County does not impose countywide rent control. Several individual municipalities, including Fort Lee, Hackensack, Edgewater, and Cliffside Park, enforce local rent stabilization ordinances limiting annual increases on covered rental units.
Food trucks in Bergen County need a state retail food license, mobile vendor approval from the Bergen County or municipal health department, and individual peddler permits in each town where they operate. There is no countywide unified permit.
Bergen County does not designate countywide vending zones. Mobile food vendors must comply with each municipality's zoning, setback, and time restrictions, which vary widely from outright bans to designated truck districts.
New Jersey sets a uniform statewide minimum wage under NJSA 34:11-56a, scheduled to reach $15 per hour, with limited authority for municipalities to enact higher local wage floors.
The New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law at NJSA 34:11D provides up to 40 hours of paid sick time and preempts local sick leave ordinances, creating a single statewide standard.
New Jersey has not enacted statewide predictive scheduling, but NJSA 34:11 wage and hour rules govern overtime and reporting time, leaving narrow scope for municipal scheduling ordinances.
New Jersey issues concealed carry permits under NJSA 2C:58-4 with strict justifiable need replaced by shall-issue standards post-Bruen, while sensitive-place restrictions limit where permitted carry is lawful.
New Jersey reserves firearm regulation to the state under NJSA 2C:39, broadly preempting local ordinances on possession, registration, transport, and most aspects of gun control across all municipalities.
New Jersey effectively prohibits open carry of handguns without a Permit to Carry under NJSA 2C:39-5, and long-gun open carry is restricted in most public contexts.
New Jersey strictly regulates firearm transport in vehicles under NJSA 2C:39-5 and 2C:39-6, requiring unloaded firearms in locked containers absent a valid Permit to Carry, with serious penalties for noncompliance.
New Jersey does not mandate E-Verify for private employers, leaving participation voluntary statewide while federal contractors must comply with federal Executive Order 12989 requirements.
Attorney General Directive 2018-6, the Immigrant Trust Directive, limits state, county, and municipal law enforcement cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement across all New Jersey jurisdictions.
NJSA 4:1C-26 limits municipal zoning power over commercial farms, preempting unreasonably restrictive agricultural zoning when farms follow recommended practices and meet eligibility criteria.
The New Jersey Right to Farm Act at NJSA 4:1C-26 protects commercial farms from nuisance lawsuits and preempts inconsistent municipal ordinances when farms follow agricultural management practices.
Under NJSA 13:1E-99.126, New Jersey banned single-use plastic carryout bags and single-use paper bags at large grocery stores effective May 2022, the strongest such law nationally.
New Jersey prohibits polystyrene foam food service products under NJSA 13:1E-99.126, banning foam clamshells, cups, trays, and similar items statewide effective May 2022.
Under NJSA 13:1E-99.126, New Jersey food service businesses may provide single-use plastic straws only upon customer request, effective November 2021 statewide.
Under NJSA 26:3D-55, New Jersey prohibits the sale, gift, or distribution of tobacco and electronic smoking products to anyone under 21, with retailer civil penalties for violations.
New Jersey prohibits retail sale of flavored electronic smoking devices and liquid nicotine under P.L. 2019, c.487, restricting most non-tobacco flavors statewide with limited vapor lounge exceptions.
New Jersey regulates vape retailers under NJSA 54:40B and NJSA 26:3D, requiring licensing, prohibiting flavored vape sales, and applying age-21 minimum purchase rules statewide.