Pop. 159,732 Β· Passaic County
Paterson requires comprehensive landlord registration for all rental properties. The city's rental-heavy housing market means extensive licensing requirements. Annual safety inspections and certificate of habitability required.
Paterson collects NJ Sales Tax (6.625%) on transient accommodations. Municipal occupancy tax up to 3% may apply. Platforms auto-collect state tax.
Paterson STRs must comply with NJ Noise Code (N.J.A.C. 7:29) and local noise ordinance. Hosts responsible for guest behavior. Complaints may trigger license review.
Paterson may require designated parking for STR guests. Many NJ towns have strict parking rules including overnight bans. Parking plan often required for STR license.
Paterson limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.
Paterson may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
There is no Passaic County short-term rental registry. Registration, where required, is done at the municipal level. West Milford (Passaic County) requires owners to register and obtain a permit before operating a short-term rental under Township Code Β§ 285-13.
Passaic County does not require an STR host to be present. New Jersey towns decide this. Where required, ordinances usually mandate a local responsible party or contact rather than the owner living on site. West Milford requires a New Jersey-resident responsible party who can accept legal process.
Passaic County sets no limit on how many nights a home may be rented short-term. New Jersey leaves night caps to municipalities. West Milford (Passaic County) limits short-term rentals to a maximum number of rental days per year under its ordinance; confirm the current figure with the township.
Passaic County imposes no primary-residence requirement on short-term rentals. New Jersey leaves this to municipalities under home rule. Some towns limit STRs to owner-occupied or primary residences; others do not. West Milford permits rentals of dwellings without a statewide owner-occupancy mandate.
Paterson enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. As NJ's third-largest city and the Passaic County seat, noise enforcement is critical in its dense urban neighborhoods. NJ Noise Code limits strictly applied.
Paterson strictly regulates amplified music in its dense multi-family neighborhoods. The city's vibrant cultural events require special event permits with noise conditions. Bars and restaurants near residential areas face strict sound limits.
Paterson permits construction 7 AM to 6 PM weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM Saturdays. No Sunday or holiday work. Historic Great Falls National Park area has additional noise restrictions for preservation.
Paterson treats persistent barking as a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. NJ dog laws require dogs to be under ownerβs control at all times.
Paterson regulates leaf blower use by time of day. Some NJ municipalities have adopted gas leaf blower restrictions. NJ Noise Code limits apply.
Passaic County does not regulate vehicle noise. Loud exhaust and modified mufflers are governed by New Jersey state motor-vehicle law and enforced by local and county police; stationary commercial vehicle sound also falls under the statewide Noise Control Act.
Passaic County has no general outdoor-music ordinance, but its county parks require permits and set hours. Elsewhere, outdoor music is regulated by your municipality under New Jersey's Noise Control Act (65 dBA day / 50 dBA night at residential property lines).
Passaic County sets no separate decibel standard. New Jersey's statewide Noise Control Act (N.J.A.C. 7:29) caps continuous sound at any residential property line at 65 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., enforced by municipalities and the NJDEP.
Industrial noise in Passaic County is governed by New Jersey's statewide Noise Control Act, not a county ordinance. N.J.A.C. 7:29-1.2 caps continuous sound from any industrial facility at 65 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) at residential property lines.
Neither Passaic County nor New Jersey regulates aircraft noise. Aircraft operations and noise are governed by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local curfews and noise limits. County and municipal power is limited to compatible land-use planning near airports.
Paterson bans overnight street parking from midnight to 6 AM on alternate sides for street sweeping. Permit parking zones in residential neighborhoods near downtown. The dense city faces chronic parking shortages.
Paterson effectively prohibits RV and boat street parking due to dense urban layout and overnight parking restrictions. No driveway storage of oversized vehicles permitted in most residential zones. Limited private storage options.
Paterson restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight and size limits apply. Overnight storage of heavy trucks typically prohibited.
Paterson requires vehicles not to block sidewalks. Parking on unpaved surfaces typically prohibited. NJ municipalities regulate driveway width and curb cuts.
Paterson regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Paterson regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new construction.
Paterson prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed after a notice period.
Passaic County has no ordinance on parking oversized vehicles at homes or on streets. Municipalities regulate this through their zoning and parking codes, often barring large RVs, box trucks, and trailers from front yards and overnight street parking.
Passaic County does not create curbside loading zones. Municipalities designate and enforce loading zones on their streets under New Jersey traffic law. On a county road, changes to the curb or a new loading area require a County road permit.
Passaic County does not set curb-painting or curb-color parking rules. Curb markings (such as no-parking or fire-zone colors) and any restriction on painting the curb are set and enforced by your municipality. Curb work on a county road needs a County permit.
Paterson limits fences to 6 feet in rear yards, 4 feet in front yards. The city's historic districts near the Great Falls impose additional architectural review for fence design and materials.
New Jersey has no βGood Neighbor Fence Act.β Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. Spite fence doctrine applies under NJ common law.
Paterson may require zoning permits for fences. Standard fences under 6 feet often exempt from building permits but may need zoning approval.
Paterson requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Paterson requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Paterson regulates fence materials by zone. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron standard. Chain-link restricted in front yards. Barbed wire prohibited in residential zones.
Passaic County sets no general fence requirements. Design, placement, setbacks, corner sight-triangles and pool-barrier fencing are all governed by your municipality's zoning ordinance and the NJ Uniform Construction Code. Pool enclosures specifically must meet statewide barrier standards. Check your town code for everything else.
There is no countywide list of allowed fence materials in Passaic County. Wood, vinyl, aluminum, PVC and chain-link are commonly used across NJ, but which are permitted where β and any front-yard or aesthetic limits β is decided by your municipality's zoning ordinance. Verify with your town before buying.
Paterson prohibits backyard chickens and all livestock in residential zones. The city's dense urban character with multi-family housing makes animal husbandry incompatible. Health department actively enforces violations.
Paterson follows NJ state law with behavior-based dangerous dog designation. No breed-specific legislation. The city's dense neighborhoods make responsible dog ownership especially important for public safety.
Paterson may allow residential beekeeping with restrictions. NJ Apiary Act (N.J.S.A. 4:6-9.1) requires registration with NJ Department of Agriculture.
Paterson requires dogs to be under control at all times. Dog licensing required through municipal clerk (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2). Rabies vaccination mandatory.
Paterson restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisance conditions.
Paterson restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Passaic County sets no limit on the number of pets per household. Pet-count limits and kennel-license thresholds are set by each municipality, and New Jersey requires a kennel license once a certain number of dogs is reached.
New Jersey's animal-cruelty law makes it unlawful to fail to provide necessary care to animals. Under 2022 amendments, animal hoarding is a fourth-degree crime carrying a $1,000-$3,000 civil penalty. This applies across Passaic County.
Passaic County does not regulate livestock. New Jersey's Right to Farm Act protects commercial farms, but whether you may keep goats, horses, pigs, or cattle on a residential lot is decided by your municipality's zoning ordinance.
Passaic County sets no cat rule. Many New Jersey municipalities require cats to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Check your borough, township, or city for cat licensing and free-roaming or TNR provisions.
Paterson enforces a 10-inch grass height limit with aggressive code enforcement. Vacant and abandoned properties are priority targets. The city's urban renewal efforts drive active property maintenance enforcement.
Paterson enforces weed abatement for property maintenance. NJ Invasive Species Council tracks invasive plants. Municipality may abate at ownerβs expense.
Paterson may have a Shade Tree Commission regulating tree removal and trimming per NJ Shade Tree Act (N.J.S.A. 40:64-1 et seq.).
Paterson may enforce watering restrictions during drought. NJDEP manages drought declarations. Permanent mandatory schedules are uncommon.
Paterson regulates tree removal on private property through permits and size thresholds. Street trees are city-managed and cannot be removed by residents.
Paterson may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Paterson generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.
Paterson allows residential rainwater harvesting. New Jersey has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.
Passaic County does not regulate backyard composting. New Jersey encourages home composting to divert yard and food waste, but any placement, container or nuisance rules come from your municipality's property-maintenance or zoning code.
Paterson allows home occupations with a permit but with strict conditions. No external evidence of business in residential zones. The city directs commercial activity to its downtown and designated commercial corridors.
Paterson prohibits external business signage at home occupations. No visible evidence of commercial activity from the street. NJ zoning strictly enforced.
Paterson limits or prohibits customer visits to home businesses. No increase in traffic beyond normal residential levels. Strictly enforced in dense NJ communities.
Paterson permits certain homemade food products to be sold directly to consumers under cottage food laws. Products must be non-potentially hazardous and properly labeled.
Paterson allows licensed home daycare operations with limits on the number of children. State licensing and local zoning approval typically required.
Passaic County does not issue home-occupation permits. Whether a permit or zoning approval is needed is set by your municipality under the Municipal Land Use Law. Most NJ towns require a zoning permit and compliance with home-occupation conditions.
Paterson garage conversions require building permits and are strictly regulated. The city targets illegal conversions as a fire safety concern. Habitable space code compliance mandatory with certificate of occupancy amendment.
New Jersey has no statewide ADU mandate. Paterson zoning determines whether ADUs are permitted. NJ is considering ADU legislation.
Paterson allows small sheds without building permits (typically under 100 to 200 sq ft). Zoning permits may still be required. NJ UCC governs larger structures.
Paterson requires permits for carport construction. Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage maximums apply.
Paterson regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.
Paterson allows recreational fire pits per NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70). Setback and safety requirements apply. Must be attended.
Paterson may require brush clearance for fire safety. NJ Forest Fire Service manages wildfire risk, especially in the Pinelands region.
Consumer fireworks are ILLEGAL in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 21:3-1). Only sparklers and ground-based sparkling devices permitted (P.L. 2017, c.74). Strict penalties.
Open burning is generally prohibited in NJ under NJDEP rules (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2). Campfires and fire pits permitted with conditions. Agricultural burns need permits.
Paterson may have wildfire hazard zones requiring defensible space around structures, fire-resistant building materials, and vegetation management.
Recreational backyard fires are allowed under the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, enforced by your town, not the county. Fires must be in an approved container, kept clear of structures, attended, and never used to burn trash.
Passaic County does not set propane-storage limits; the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code adopts NFPA 58 statewide. Residential grill cylinders are limited in size, and larger tanks trigger permit and clearance requirements.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements are set statewide by the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19), not by Passaic County. A compliance certificate is required before any home is sold or re-rented.
Paterson requires building permits for swimming pools under NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Inspections mandatory.
NJ Barrier Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)) is among the strictest in the nation. Minimum 48-inch barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates required.
NJ enforces pool safety through the Barrier Subcode and federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drain covers, barriers, and GFCI protection all required.
Paterson regulates above-ground pools including permit requirements, setbacks, and barrier standards. Pools over a certain depth or capacity typically require permits.
Paterson regulates hot tub and spa installation including electrical permits, barrier requirements, and placement rules.
Paterson recreational drone use is governed by FAA rules and local ordinances. Drones under 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. No flying near airports.
Paterson commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. Additional local permits may be required for filming or surveying.
Paterson requires door-to-door solicitors and peddlers to obtain a permit. Background checks and identification badges are commonly required.
Paterson maintains a no-knock or no-soliciting registry that residents can join. Solicitors who ignore posted signs or registry listings face fines.
Paterson requires residential recycling of accepted materials. Contamination with non-recyclables may cause entire bins to be rejected at the curb.
Paterson requires bins placed at the curb with lids closed on collection day. Bins must be removed from the curb within a set timeframe after pickup.
Paterson offers scheduled bulk item pickup for large items like furniture and appliances. Advance scheduling typically required. Some items may need special handling.
Paterson provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection on designated days. Missed pickups can be reported to New Jersey waste haulers or municipal services.
Illegal dumping is a state offense enforced across Passaic County. New Jersey littering fines run $100-$500 for a first offense, and illegal dumping under the Solid Waste Management Act can bring fines up to $50,000 and vehicle forfeiture.
Paterson requires food trucks to obtain a mobile food vendor permit and health department approval. Annual licensing and vehicle inspections are typically required.
Paterson designates approved vending zones for food trucks. Distance requirements from brick-and-mortar restaurants and schools typically apply.
Paterson zoning code requires minimum setback distances from property lines for all structures. Setbacks vary by zoning district and structure type.
Paterson limits the percentage of a lot that can be covered by impervious surfaces and structures. Residential lots typically allow 40 to 60% coverage.
Paterson zoning code sets maximum building heights by district. Residential zones typically limit structures to 35 feet or 2 to 3 stories.
Paterson requires permits to remove trees above a certain size on private property. Protected species and street trees have additional restrictions.
Paterson designates heritage or landmark trees based on size, age, or species. Removal or damage to heritage trees carries significant penalties.
Paterson requires replacement planting when permitted trees are removed. Replacement ratios and species specifications ensure canopy preservation.
Paterson enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Paterson parks close at posted hours, typically dusk or 10 to 11 PM. After-hours presence is a trespassing violation enforced by police.
Paterson limits the number of garage or yard sales per household per year. Typical limits range from 2 to 4 sales annually to prevent commercial activity.
Paterson may require a free or low-cost permit for garage and yard sales. Permit ensures compliance with time, signage, and frequency limits.
Paterson restricts garage sale hours to daytime periods, typically 8 AM to 6 PM or sunrise to sunset. Weekend sales are most common.
Paterson requires property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within a set timeframe after snowfall, typically 24 to 48 hours.
Paterson regulates where trash and recycling bins can be stored and placed for collection. Bins must typically be screened from street view between pickup days.
Paterson enforces property maintenance standards to prevent blight. Unmaintained properties with peeling paint, broken windows, or accumulated debris may face code violations.
Paterson requires vacant lot owners to maintain their property including regular mowing, weed control, trash removal, and securing the site against trespass.
Paterson requires garage and yard sales to maintain property appearance. Items must be displayed neatly and removed promptly after the sale ends.
There is no countywide grass-height or weed limit in Passaic County. New Jersey grants municipalities authority under N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.13 to require removal of brush, weeds, and tall grass, and each town sets its own height limit.
Paterson zones cannabis dispensaries in commercial and industrial areas with buffer distances from schools, parks, and residential zones. Conditional use permits typically required. Hours of operation and signage restrictions apply.
Paterson permits limited home cannabis cultivation for personal use under state law. Plant counts, grow area, and visibility restrictions apply. Local ordinances may add further limits.
Paterson requires stormwater management for new development and significant property modifications. Runoff must be controlled on-site through retention, detention, or infiltration systems.
Paterson requires grading permits for significant earth-moving work. Drainage must not redirect water onto neighboring properties. Proper grading prevents erosion and flooding.
Paterson requires erosion and sediment control measures during all land-disturbing activities. Silt fences, erosion blankets, and stabilized construction entrances are standard requirements.
Paterson enforces FEMA flood zone development standards. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas face elevation requirements, flood insurance mandates, and construction restrictions.
Paterson regulates development in coastal zones through setback requirements, habitat protections, and public access mandates. State coastal commission approval may be required for projects near the shoreline.
Paterson regulates outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and glare. Fully shielded fixtures required for new installations. Lighting must be directed downward and not trespass onto neighboring properties.
Paterson prohibits outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Light trespass complaints are handled through code enforcement.
Paterson may require just cause for evicting tenants in covered units. Landlords must demonstrate a legally recognized reason to terminate tenancy beyond lease expiration.
Paterson may have local rent control or stabilization measures limiting annual rent increases. State law provides a framework for rent regulation. Check local ordinances for specific caps and covered units.
Paterson may require landlords to register rental properties with the city and maintain compliance with housing codes. Registration helps ensure rental units meet safety and habitability standards.
Under New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, a landlord may evict a covered tenant only on a statutory good-cause ground. Non-payment under subsection a. needs no advance notice to quit before filing. Most other grounds require a written notice to cease and a notice to quit, with three-day or one-month periods set by N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2.
New Jersey recognizes an implied warranty of habitability in every residential lease under Marini v. Ireland, 56 N.J. 130 (1970), regardless of lease language. If a landlord fails to repair vital facilities after notice, the tenant may use repair-and-deduct or, under Berzito v. Gambino, withhold rent and obtain a rent abatement.
New Jersey has no statute setting a minimum notice a landlord must give before entering a rented home; there is no statutory requirement fixing 24 hours or any figure. Courts and the standard lease expect reasonable advance notice for non-emergency entry, and a landlord who enters abusively can face a quiet-enjoyment claim.
New Jersey sets no general statutory cap on residential late fees, leaving the amount to the lease subject to reasonableness. For senior citizens on government pensions and recipients of Social Security Disability, SSI, or Work First New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 requires a five-business-day grace period during which no late charge may be imposed.
To end a month-to-month residential tenancy in New Jersey, either party gives at least one month's written notice expiring at a rental period. Because the Anti-Eviction Act bars removing a protected tenant without good cause, a landlord's notice to quit alone does not force the tenant out unless a ground in N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 also applies.
New Jersey sets no statewide rent cap, but a landlord cannot raise a month-to-month tenant's rent until the existing term is ended by a notice to quit and a notice of increase giving one full rental period's notice. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) the increase may not be unconscionable, and many municipalities impose local rent control.
New Jersey caps a residential security deposit at 1.5 times one month's rent, and any later additional deposit may rise by no more than 10% per year. After a tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus the tenant's interest, minus itemized deductions, within 30 days. Wrongful withholding exposes the landlord to double damages.
A squatter cannot gain title quickly in New Jersey. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-30, thirty years of actual, continuous possession of real estate vests title in the possessor, and sixty years is required for woodlands or uncultivated tracts. The possession must be open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and uninterrupted, and time can be tacked across successive occupiers.
Paterson allows temporary garage sale signs with restrictions on size, placement, and duration. Signs in public rights-of-way may be prohibited. Signs must be removed immediately after the sale.
Paterson generally permits holiday decorations and displays on residential property with minimal restrictions. Displays should not create traffic hazards, excessive noise, or fire risks. HOA rules may add limits.
Paterson allows political signs on private property with size limits. Signs in public rights-of-way are typically prohibited. First Amendment protections apply. Removal required within a set period after elections.
Paterson residents in HOA communities benefit from state solar access laws that limit HOA ability to prohibit solar panels. HOAs may regulate placement but cannot effectively ban solar installations.
Paterson requires building permits for solar panel installations. Permit processes vary but most jurisdictions have streamlined solar permitting. Roof-mounted systems must meet structural and electrical code requirements.
Passaic County has no ordinance on backyard smokers. Wood and charcoal smokers follow the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code's grill and open-flame provisions, and persistent smoke can be addressed as a municipal nuisance.
Passaic County sets no residential grilling rule. New Jersey's Uniform Fire Code restricts where LP-gas and charcoal grills may be used, especially near multifamily buildings, while single-family home grilling is largely unrestricted.
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 gives both condominium and planned-community associations a foreclosable assessment lien with a limited 6-month priority over a prior first mortgage. The Condominium Act, N.J.S.A. 46:8B-21, sets the rule for condos; N.J.S.A. 45:22A-44.1 extends the same 6-month super-priority to non-condo HOAs.
The 2017 Radburn Law (P.L. 2017, c.106) amended PREDFDA (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-45.1 et seq.) and its regulations (N.J.A.C. 5:26-8) to mandate open board meetings, member-run elections with nomination and write-in rights, and member access to records. A February 2024 Appellate Division ruling trimmed some of these election regulations.
New Jersey associations enforce recorded covenants and architectural standards through their declaration, but PREDFDA's Radburn regulations require associations to make alternative dispute resolution available for housing-related disputes, including covenant and architectural enforcement, as an alternative to litigation before the matter is fought out in court.
New Jersey sets no statutory dollar cap on association fines. Fine authority comes from the recorded declaration and bylaws, but PREDFDA and the Condominium Act add fairness requirements: written notice, a chance to cure, and access to mandatory alternative dispute resolution before a fine dispute reaches court.
New Jersey overrides several common HOA restrictions. N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2 bars associations from prohibiting rooftop solar collectors on owner-controlled roofs, and N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.1 voids rules banning the U.S. flag and troop-support signs. New Jersey courts also strike near-total political-sign bans under the state constitution.
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.