Jackson, NJ Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 115-1 makes it unlawful for an owner or tenant of any land in the Township to permit that land to be covered with brush, weeds, dead or dying trees, stumps, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, manure, trash or debris that could start or spread a fire, cause irritation, or create an unhealthy condition on that land or an adjacent property. The same section separately bars leaving construction or demolition debris on a lot for more than 30 days once work is complete, and bars storing unenclosed junk, old lumber, metal or machine parts that pose a fire hazard, retain stagnant water or attract a child onto the property.

These provisions apply on their face to any land in the Township, so an unimproved or vacant lot is squarely covered even with no structure on it. Section 115-3 gives the owner or tenant 10 days from written notice by the Superintendent of Public Works to clear the condition before a violation is charged. If the owner does not comply, Section 115-4 authorizes the Superintendent of Public Works to remove the brush, weeds or debris directly, certify the cost to the Township, and place that cost as a lien on the property that is added to and collected with the real estate taxes, with interest at the same rate as delinquent taxes.