New Brunswick, NJ Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 8.24 of the New Brunswick Municipal Code, Grass, Weed, and Debris Removal, puts the maintenance duty on whoever holds the land. Section 8.24.010 addresses any owner and/or tenant or person in possession of any lands in the city, so an owner and a tenant in possession are both covered. The wording says lands, not buildings, which is why it reaches unimproved property.

The standard has two prongs. Under subsection (A), lands must be kept free of brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris where the same are inimical to the preservation of public health, safety or general welfare of the city, or which may constitute a fire hazard. Unlike the eight inch cap for yards in the Property Maintenance Code, this chapter prints no height figure. The test is the hazard to health, safety, welfare or fire. Under subsection (B), where land abuts or borders a public street, the owner must remove all grass, weeds, brush and other debris from the part of the street bordering the land.

Enforcement follows a notice track. Under § 8.24.020, when the health officer deems it necessary for public health, safety, general welfare or the elimination of a fire hazard, or on investigating a complaint from a resident, officer or employee of the city, the officer can order the owner, tenant or person in possession to remove the grass, weeds, trash or other debris within ten days after notice, or to cause its removal. If the owner refuses or neglects to fix the condition within ten days after receipt of notice, § 8.24.030 has the health officer abate the condition and certify the cost to the governing body. If the certificate is found correct, the cost is charged against the lands and becomes a lien added to the next taxes, bearing interest at the tax rate.

Section 8.24.040 adds an administrative fee on every lien. For a lien up to $500.00 the fee is $50.00 for a first lien and $75.00 for second and subsequent liens. For liens over $500.00 up to $2,500.00 it is $75.00 and $100.00, and over $2,500.00 it is $100.00 and $175.00. A third or subsequent lien within a two-year calendar period adds a charge of $250.00.