Paterson, NJ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Officer finds growth inimical to health/safety
- Notice period
- 10 days to remove
- Enforcement
- City removal + lien on land
- Max fine
- $1,000, 90 days, or both
Summary
Paterson can order any lot, yard or land cleared of brush, weeds or debris a municipal officer finds inimical to public health, safety or fire safety, with city cleanup and a lien if you don't comply.
Whenever a municipal officer shall find upon any such lot, yard, land or premises any brush, weeds or debris to such an extent as, in his opinion, is inimical to the public health, safety or general welfare of the city or to such an extent as to constitute a fire hazard, he shall give or cause to be given written notice to the owner, lessee, tenant or occupant of said premises to remove therefrom such brush, weeds or debris.
B. The notice specified in Subsection A of this section shall:
(1) Require the removal of such brush, weeds and debris within ten (10) days after service of the notice as provided in § 149-4; and
(2) Advise the person to whom the notice is directed that failure to accomplish such removal within the time stated therein will result in the removal thereof by or under the direction of the municipal officer and such other penalties and consequences as are provided by this Article.
§ 149-4. Service of notice. Service of any such notice as prescribed by § 149-3 shall be made upon the owner, lessee, tenant or occupant either personally or by posting said notice on said premises and mailing, by certified mail, a copy of said notice to the owner at his last known post office address, if any. Service of the notice by posting and mailing shall be deemed completed upon such posting and mailing.
§ 149-5. Failure to comply with notice.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 149, Article I covers any brush, ragweed, weeds, dead trees, stumps, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash or other debris on a lot, yard or land in the city. A municipal officer (Health Officer, DPW Director, Fire Code Official, or the Community Improvements Director, or their designees) who finds such growth inimical to public health, safety or a fire hazard must give written notice requiring removal within 10 days. If the owner, lessee, tenant or occupant ignores the notice, the city removes it and certifies the cost as a lien on the land, on top of a separate fine.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove brush, weeds or debris within 10 days of notice lets the city clear it and lien the property for the cost; conviction also carries a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days imprisonment, up to 90 days community service, or a combination (§ 149-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a weed violation in Paterson?
What happens if I ignore a Paterson weed-removal notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
How Paterson compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview
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