Newark, NJ Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Decorative lawn ornaments - statuary, gnomes, plastic flamingos, religious figures, seasonal cutouts, garden flags, and similar items - are not specifically addressed in Newark's Title XLI zoning code or in the Title XVIII property maintenance provisions. They are not 'signs' as defined in Chapter 41:2 unless they carry a commercial or political message, so the sign permit framework in Chapter 41:9 does not apply to typical ornaments. The general constraints that do apply: (1) ornaments must remain entirely on private property and not encroach into the public right-of-way (sidewalk, tree-lawn, or street), which would violate Ch. 29:21 and could be abated by the Department of Public Works; (2) ornaments placed near a driveway or corner cannot obstruct the corner sight triangle required by Chapter 41:5, which preserves visibility for motorists and pedestrians; (3) accumulations of broken, deteriorated, or hazardous ornaments may be cited under Newark's property-maintenance provisions in Title XVIII as a nuisance; and (4) for properties in a designated historic district (Forest Hill, James Street Commons, Lincoln Park, Springfield-Belmont, Four Corners, and others), the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission has jurisdiction over exterior alterations - while temporary movable ornaments generally fall outside LHPC review, permanently installed statuary, fountains, or hardscape features may require a Certificate of Appropriateness. There is no display-duration limit on non-holiday lawn ornaments; the three-month rule in Ch. 41:9 applies specifically to seasonal holiday lights and decorations, not to year-round garden statuary.