Elizabeth, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

010 makes it unlawful for any owner, tenant, or other person to gather, accumulate, keep, or dump brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash, or debris anywhere in the city in a way that constitutes a menace to public health, safety, or general welfare, or that creates a fire hazard. 020 requires the owner, tenant, or person in control of the property to remove that accumulation once it exists. 030: the director of public works, working with the fire chief and the health officer, inspects properties on a regular basis or upon receiving a complaint, and if a violation is found, the health officer or fire chief files a written report describing the location, the nature of the complaint, and whether it poses a fire hazard or health danger.

The director of public works then serves written notice on the owner, tenant, or person in charge, sets a hearing at least five days out, and, if the complaint is confirmed, issues a written notice requiring removal within ten days of service. 040 lets the director of public works remove the material directly, certify the cost to the city council, and, once confirmed, charge that cost against the land as a lien that bears interest at the same rate as taxes and is collected the same way.