Pop. 135,158 · Ocean County
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 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.
Tiny homes on foundations allowed in Ocean County under NJ UCC (IRC Appendix AQ). Tiny homes on wheels typically classified as RVs — banned as permanent residences. New NJ ADU law (2024) opens secondary-dwelling pathway.
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.
Ocean County municipalities set fence material standards through local zoning. Toms River (§348), Brick (§245), and Jackson (§244) allow wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and composite in residential zones. Chain-link is generally prohibited in front yards but allowed in rear yards. Barbed wire and razor wire are banned in all residential districts. Beachfront properties on LBI face additional CAFRA-influenced restrictions favoring low-visibility materials that preserve shore aesthetics.
Ocean County retaining walls over 4 ft require NJ UCC building permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17A). Walls in CAFRA/Pinelands or flood zones need additional review. Setbacks and drainage per local zoning.
Ocean County pools must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code / ISPSC 2018: minimum 48-inch barrier, self-closing self-latching gate, 4-inch gap rule. Toms River (Ord. 4422) and local towns enforce via construction official.
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.
Ocean County family child care homes licensed by NJ DCF Office of Licensing under Family Child Care Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-16). Up to 5 children. Local zoning cannot prohibit registered home daycare.
NJ legalized cottage food in 2021 (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11). Ocean County home bakers can sell up to $50,000/year of non-TCS foods with a permit. Direct-to-consumer sales only. Farm markets at Ocean County Parks permitted.
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.
Ocean County municipalities enforce weed and overgrowth abatement through local property maintenance codes. Most towns set 10-inch maximum grass/weed heights (Toms River §327, Brick §176). Vacant lots on LBI and post-Sandy unbuilt parcels face heightened enforcement. Japanese knotweed, phragmites, and mile-a-minute vine are NJ-tracked invasives of concern in bayfront and Pinelands ecotones.
Rainwater harvesting is permitted throughout Ocean County for residential non-potable use. New Jersey imposes no state-level restrictions. NJDEP Water Supply Management Act does not apply to residential rain barrels. Some Ocean County municipalities offer rain barrel rebate programs through Barnegat Bay watershed initiatives. Large cisterns may trigger building permits. Potable use requires NJDEP-approved treatment.
Artificial turf allowed on Ocean County residential lots but regulated locally for drainage and heat. Shore towns (Lavallette, Point Pleasant Beach) restrict front-yard turf. Stormwater rules apply under NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:8.
Ocean County encourages Jersey-Friendly native plants for Barnegat Bay water quality. No ordinance mandates them but Pinelands Commission requires native species in preservation areas. Barnegat Bay Partnership rebates support lawn conversion.
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.
Ocean County municipalities regulate leaf blower use through local noise ordinances aligned with NJ Noise Control Code N.J.A.C. 7:29. Typical hours in Toms River, Brick, and Jackson are 8 AM to 6 PM weekdays with reduced Saturday windows and Sunday restrictions. No countywide gas blower ban exists, though seasonal landscape operations on LBI and in shore communities face tighter summer limits to protect rental guests.
Amplified music in Ocean County requires compliance with local noise ordinances and NJDEP N.J.A.C. 7:29 limits of 65 dBA day / 50 dBA night at the property line. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, and LBI boardwalk venues operate under special entertainment district rules with extended hours. Outdoor concerts and street fairs require municipal special event permits and NJ ABC coordination if alcohol is served.
Aircraft noise in New Jersey is preempted by federal law, leaving New Jersey municipalities without authority to regulate flight operations or in-flight sound.
New Jersey's Noise Control Act sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary commercial and industrial sources, preempting conflicting local rules.
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.
Ocean County sits largely within the NJ Pinelands National Reserve, one of the highest wildfire-risk regions on the East Coast. The NJ Forest Fire Service (Division B) enforces brush clearance in Manchester, Jackson, Berkeley, Lacey, and Barnegat where pine-oak forest meets residential development. Homeowners in Wildland-Urban Interface zones must maintain 30-foot defensible space and clear pine needles from roofs and gutters, especially during the March-May fire season.
Ocean County sits in NJ's highest-risk wildfire region (Pine Barrens). NJ Forest Fire Service Wildfire Hazardous Area designation drives defensible space rules. Firewise NJ programs active in Manchester, Lacey, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor.
Propane and other liquefied petroleum gas storage is regulated uniformly by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, which applies in every municipality and supersedes conflicting local rules.
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.
Abandoned/junk vehicles on Ocean County streets and yards prohibited under N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.5 and Toms River Ch. 368 Nuisances. 48-72 hour notice then tow. Inoperable vehicles on private property must be garaged or screened.
NJ Model Stormwater + EV Ready laws (P.L. 2021 c.171) require EV-capable parking in Ocean County new construction. UCC electrical permit required for home Level 2 chargers. HOAs cannot prohibit owner-installed chargers.
Ocean County shore towns restrict overnight on-street parking during summer peak (Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach meter enforcement overnight). Residential neighborhoods typically allow with some 2 AM to 6 AM sweeps.
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.).
Ocean County municipalities generally prohibit backyard chickens in residential zones due to suburban density. Jackson and Manchester permit limited poultry on larger agricultural-zoned lots (5+ acres) with setbacks. Lakewood prohibits poultry in most residential districts. Toms River and Brick allow hens only on AG-zoned or large R-1 lots with board of health permits. Roosters are prohibited virtually everywhere in Ocean County.
Ocean County prohibits intentional feeding of deer (N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.24) and bears. Coastal towns restrict feeding of gulls/waterfowl. Most Pinelands-adjacent towns have local deer feeding bans to reduce tick/Lyme and vehicle strikes.
New Jersey's animal cruelty laws apply statewide, prohibiting neglect and overcrowding that constitute hoarding, with enforcement by humane officers and police.
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.
Hot tubs over 24 inches deep need NJ UCC building + electrical permits (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for barrier. GFCI protection and 5 ft conductor setback required.
All pools in Ocean County require permits under NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Building, electrical, and plumbing subcode permits apply. Above-ground pools over 24 inches and all in-ground pools require permits plus NJ Barrier Subcode compliance. Coastal flood zone (AE/VE) properties face additional elevation requirements. Seasonal pool barriers and self-closing gates are strictly enforced.
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.
Ocean County erosion and sediment control is governed by the NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39) administered by the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. Grading over 5,000 sq ft triggers Soil Conservation District certification. Dune vegetation protection under CAFRA. Pinelands-specific practices apply in Manchester, Jackson. Silt fence, stabilized entrances, and temporary seeding standard.
Ocean County grading and drainage regulation applies through municipal engineering codes and Ocean County Soil Conservation District certification (5,000+ sq ft). Barnegat Bay watershed drainage must protect nonpoint-source quality. Post-Sandy rebuild projects in flood zones require specific drainage to prevent runoff redirection. Retaining walls over 4 ft require engineering. NJDEP Stormwater Rule applies to major development.
Ocean County stormwater management is governed by NJDEP Stormwater Rule N.J.A.C. 7:8, with enhanced Barnegat Bay watershed protections. New major development must meet groundwater recharge, water quality, and quantity standards. Municipal MS4 permits require Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. Post-Sandy flood management overlays additional controls. Green infrastructure required on major developments since 2020 amendments.
Ocean County has extensive coastal regulation through the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA, N.J.S.A. 13:19-1) covering all LBI boroughs, the barrier peninsula (Seaside/Ortley/Lavallette/Mantoloking), and bayfront communities. NJDEP Coastal Permits required for most construction. Post-Sandy V-Zone elevation, dune preservation, and public access easements mandatory. Waterfront Development Act adds bayfront review. Pinelands overlay applies inland.
Ocean County Landfill accepts bulk disposal by appointment or drop-off. Municipalities offer scheduled bulk pickup — Toms River provides monthly bulk curbside, Brick operates by appointment. Appliances with refrigerant must be tagged per N.J.A.C. 7:30 (CFC removal). Post-Sandy construction debris from continuing rebuild projects is excluded from residential bulk and must go to C&D transfer stations.
Ocean County operates the Ocean County Landfill in Manchester and coordinates recycling through the Ocean County Recycling Department. Trash pickup varies by municipality — Toms River, Brick, and Jackson use contracted private haulers (Republic Services, Waste Management). LBI boroughs run twice-weekly summer pickup with stepped-down winter schedules. Barnegat Bay shore towns must comply with stricter litter rules to prevent plastic entering the bay.
Mandatory recycling in Ocean County under the NJ Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11 et seq.). Single-stream accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1-#2 (some towns accept #1-#7). Contaminated bins are tagged and skipped. LBI and shore towns have expanded summer recycling to handle tourist volumes. Ocean County's recycling rate targets 50% diversion.
Ocean County municipalities require bins at the curb no earlier than the evening before pickup and removed within 12 to 24 hours after collection. Toms River §327-11 sets specific curb-placement rules. LBI boroughs require bins stored out of public view when not in use to preserve shore aesthetics. Lakewood tightens between-pickup storage rules in high-density neighborhoods.
Ocean County garage sale hours are limited to daylight, typically 8 AM to 6 PM. Toms River §210-20 sets 9 AM to 5 PM. Lakewood §143 prohibits Shabbat (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and major Jewish holidays. LBI and shore towns prefer weekend daytime sales to avoid summer rental disruption. Setup must not begin before 7 AM; tear-down required same day.
Ocean County municipalities limit garage sales to 2-3 per household per year. Toms River §210-20 sets 2 sales maximum; Brick §128 allows 2; Jackson §116 limits 3. Each sale typically 2-3 consecutive days. Lakewood tightens with Shabbat exclusions. Neighborhood or church sales often count as single events. Exceeding limits triggers commercial retail reclassification.
Most Ocean County municipalities require free or low-cost garage sale permits. Toms River §210-20 requires a permit ($5), limited to 2 sales per year per household. Brick §128 similar. Lakewood requires permit with Shabbat restrictions. Permits ensure signage and frequency compliance. Shore towns (LBI, Seaside) have additional summer rental property restrictions.
Most Ocean County municipalities maintain No Knock or No Soliciting registries. Toms River, Brick, Jackson, and Lakewood offer free enrollment. Solicitors must receive the updated list before canvassing. Ignoring posted no-soliciting signs or registered addresses triggers citations. Religious and political speech remain protected. Lakewood Township offers Shabbat-specific Do Not Disturb protections.
Door-to-door solicitors in Ocean County must obtain municipal peddler/solicitor permits with background checks and ID badges. Toms River §210 and Brick §246 require permits; Lakewood has tightened rules around Sabbath restrictions. Religious canvassing is exempt under First Amendment protections. Solicitation hours typically 9 AM to 6 PM. Seasonal shore town rules apply during summer rental weeks.
Ocean County parks close at dusk or 10 PM per Ocean County Park Rules. Municipal parks vary: Toms River Huddy Park closes at 10 PM, Bey Lea closes at dusk. Island Beach State Park closes at 10 PM (entrance gates close earlier). LBI beach curfews vary by borough — typically 10 PM to 6 AM with alcohol and fireworks prohibited. Trespassing after hours is enforced by police and park rangers.
Ocean County juvenile curfew ordinances vary by municipality. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, and LBI boroughs enforce strict summer curfews targeting rowdy teen gatherings on beaches and boardwalks — typically 10 PM to 6 AM for under 18. Toms River, Brick, and Lakewood maintain year-round curfews (11 PM to 6 AM school nights). Authorized under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.52. Parents face fines for repeat violations.
Food trucks in Ocean County require Ocean County Board of Health mobile retail food establishment permits under N.J.A.C. 8:24 plus municipal mobile vendor licenses. Annual health inspections mandatory. Commissary agreements required. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, and LBI boardwalk food trucks face additional tourist-season permits with limited slots.
Ocean County food truck vending zones are set municipality-by-municipality. Toms River permits food trucks at approved commercial locations with 100 ft restaurant buffers. Boardwalk towns (Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach) strictly limit mobile vending to protect established businesses. Island Beach State Park and county parks require concessionaire contracts. Private property vending requires owner consent and may need zoning approval for recurring operations.
Ocean County residential height limits typically 35 ft / 2.5 stories per municipal zoning. FEMA V-Zone and AE-Zone elevation requirements on LBI, Mantoloking, Ortley, and other flood-prone areas can push measurement baselines higher, so effective building heights above grade may be taller. Pinelands municipalities have stricter rural character limits. Commercial zones on Route 37, Route 9, and Route 70 allow greater heights.
Ocean County building setbacks are set by municipal zoning codes under NJ MLUL. Typical R-1 residential: 25-30 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear. LBI oceanfront lots face additional CAFRA and Coastal AE/VE zone setbacks from mean high water. Pinelands municipalities (Manchester, Jackson) add CMP-required larger setbacks. Variances require Zoning Board of Adjustment hearings.
Ocean County lot coverage limits typically 25-40% in residential zones per municipal zoning. LBI lots face stricter impervious coverage caps (30-35%) due to Barnegat Bay stormwater regulation. NJDEP Stormwater Rule N.J.A.C. 7:8 requires best management practices for major developments. Pinelands CMP imposes additional limits in Forest and Preservation Areas. Permeable pavers receive partial credit in many municipalities.
Ocean County tree removal permit requirements vary by municipality. Toms River (§363) and Brick (§245) require permits for trees 6 inches DBH or greater on developed lots. Pinelands municipalities (Manchester, Jackson, Barnegat) apply CMP vegetation management rules. NJ Community Forestry Act gives municipalities enabling authority. Street trees managed by public works and cannot be removed by residents.
Ocean County municipalities require replacement planting when permitted trees are removed. Toms River §363 sets 1:1 replacement ratio with 2-inch caliper minimum. Brick and Jackson require 1:1 to 2:1 depending on size of removed tree. Pinelands CMP areas require species-specific replacement (native pitch pine, oak, Atlantic white cedar). Fee-in-lieu programs exist for lots with inadequate planting area.
Ocean County heritage tree designations exist through municipal Shade Tree Commissions and the Pinelands Commission's specimen tree protection. Toms River and Brick maintain significant tree registries. Atlantic white cedar (state protected under NJ Forest Practices Act) is specifically protected in bayfront and Pinelands wetland areas. Unauthorized removal of specimen trees triggers significant penalties and replacement requirements.
Recreational drone use in Ocean County follows FAA rules (49 USC §44809) plus NJ statutes and local park rules. NJ Forest Fire Service prohibits drones over active wildfires. Ocean County Parks and Recreation generally prohibits drone takeoff and landing in county parks without permit. Beaches on LBI and shore towns restrict drones during lifeguard-staffed hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Coastal airports (Ocean County Airport at Robert J. Miller, KMJX) create restricted airspace.
Commercial drone operations in Ocean County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification. LAANC authorization needed near Ocean County Airport (KMJX) and for overlap with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst restricted airspace. Real estate and beach photography are major commercial uses. Oceanfront and Barnegat Bay surveys require CAFRA-area awareness. NJDEP may require permits for aerial surveys affecting wildlife.
Cannabis dispensary zoning in Ocean County varies sharply — the CREAMM Act allowed municipalities to opt out of any or all six license classes by August 2021 deadline. Many Ocean County towns opted out of retail sales. Toms River, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Lakewood, and others rejected dispensaries. Where permitted, 1,000-foot school buffers and conditional use permits apply. NJ CRC licenses required.
Home cannabis cultivation is PROHIBITED in New Jersey under the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31 et seq.). Adults 21+ may possess up to 6 oz but may not grow any plants at home. This applies in Ocean County regardless of municipality. Only licensed commercial cultivators may grow cannabis. Medical cannabis patients are also prohibited from home cultivation.
Ocean County property maintenance codes require garage sale cleanup to prevent blight. Items must be removed from yard each evening and all signs pulled within 24 hours of sale end. Lakewood's dense residential neighborhoods enforce strict cleanup. Toms River §327 treats leftover items as property maintenance violations. Shore town summer rental owners face heightened blight enforcement.
Ocean County property owners must clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 to 48 hours of snowfall ending. Toms River §327, Brick §176, and other municipal codes impose this duty under N.J.S.A. 40:65-12. Failure creates slip-and-fall liability and triggers municipal abatement at owner expense. Shore and bayfront boardwalks have separate municipal clearance responsibilities.
Vacant lot owners in Ocean County must mow (grass max 10 inches typical), remove trash, control invasive vegetation, and secure lot against dumping. Municipal abatement liens costs to property under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.14.
Ocean County trash and recycling collected municipally. Bins must be stored out of street view between pickups and curb-placed night before/morning of collection. Toms River and shore towns enforce under property maintenance chapters.
Ocean County blight enforced municipally under NJ Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-78) and local property maintenance codes. Toms River Ch. 368 and vacant-property registration in Lakewood, Brick, Seaside Heights.
Ocean County outdoor lighting is regulated by municipal zoning codes requiring full-cutoff fixtures and light trespass limits. LBI and coastal municipalities enforce sea turtle-friendly lighting during nesting season (May-October) under NJDEP Endangered Species guidelines. Pinelands CMP specifies dark-sky standards in Forest Areas. Commercial parking lots must use shielded fixtures with specific foot-candle limits.
Ocean County municipalities regulate light trespass through local zoning. Toms River Land Use Ch. 348 and coastal towns limit illumination at property lines; shielded fixtures required near dark-sky coastal and Pinelands areas.
NJ Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) requires good cause for all Ocean County residential evictions. Owner-occupied 1-2 unit homes and transient/seasonal guests are exempt. 18 statutory grounds apply.
All NJ landlords must file a Landlord Identity Registration (N.J.S.A. 46:8-28). Ocean County municipalities add local rental certificate-of-occupancy requirements — Lakewood Ch. 15 requires pre-rental CO; Seaside Heights requires STR license.
Ocean County has no county rent control, but several municipalities cap annual increases. Lakewood (Ch. 14) caps increases at 5% if tenant pays heat, 6.5% if landlord pays. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Lakehurst also regulate.
Political signs allowed on private property in Ocean County with First Amendment protection. Toms River (Ch. 348) allows from 30 days before to 7 days after election. Right-of-way and utility pole placement prohibited.
Ocean County municipalities permit garage sale signs on private property only. Toms River Ch. 348 bans signs on utility poles, street signs, and public ROW. Signs must come down within 24 hours after sale ends.
Holiday decorations permitted on Ocean County private property without permit. Must not block sight triangles, obstruct sidewalks, or create fire/traffic hazards. Electric displays must comply with NJ UCC electrical requirements.
Solar installations in Ocean County require NJ UCC building and electrical permits (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Subcode fees capped by state. PSE&G or JCP&L interconnection required. Net metering available under N.J.S.A. 48:3-87.
NJ Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) bars Ocean County HOAs from banning rooftop solar on individually-owned single-family homes. Reasonable aesthetic rules allowed but cannot materially reduce efficiency or inflate cost.
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.