Clifton, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 175, in force since a 1960 ordinance and retitled in 1998 to add uncut grass, makes it the duty of the owner or tenant in possession to cut and remove brush, weeds, uncut grass, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris from any land in the City. Under § 175-4, once brush, weeds, uncut grass or obnoxious growths exceed six inches in height, or dead trees, stumps, filth or debris are left unremoved, the City Engineer must send 10 days' written notice by registered or certified mail to both the owner's and tenant's last known addresses.

"Weeds" is defined broadly as all grass, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, but the definition expressly excludes cultivated flowers and gardens, so tended landscape beds are not swept into the six-inch cap. If the owner or tenant fails to comply within the notice period, § 175-5 lets the City Engineer remove the growth or debris directly, certify the cost to the Municipal Council, and have that cost added as a lien on the property, collected the same way as unpaid property taxes with interest at the tax rate.

Separately, § 175-3 makes it unlawful for an owner, agent or contractor on a construction or demolition site to let litter accumulate, requiring adequate debris containers maintained and emptied often enough to prevent spillage.