Stafford Township, NJ Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Vacant land in Stafford Township is policed through the litter chapter. Section 136-11 bars anyone from throwing or depositing litter on any open or vacant private property whether owned by that person or not, and § 136-5 reaches litter thrown from a vehicle or boat onto public or private property, including vacant land. The owner carries a duty too: § 136-9 requires the owner or person in control of any private property to maintain the premises free of litter at all times, while still allowing storage in private litter receptacles for collection. Section 136-11.1 extends the rule to work on improved or unimproved real property, banning sweeping, throwing, depositing or dumping litter, rubbish or construction waste on the construction site and requiring private receptacles and, next to a waterway, a snow fence or other retaining fence.

Enforcement runs through § 136-12. The Code Enforcement Officer or a designated agent notifies the owner, tenant or agent of private premises or vacant land, by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to dispose properly of litter dangerous to public health, safety or welfare. If the litter is not disposed of within 10 days after receipt of written notice, or within 10 days after the date of notice when the post office returns it as undeliverable to a properly addressed last known address, the officer can pay for disposal or order the Township to do it. The cost goes on the owner's next regular tax bill. If the owner has not paid within 30 days after disposal, the officer certifies the cost to the Township Council, which on finding it correct charges it against the land as a lien collected like taxes, with a delinquent penalty at the same rate.

Overgrowth on vacant parcels is covered elsewhere. Section 68-2A requires owners and tenants of real property to remove brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots and obnoxious growth within 10 days after notice from the designated official, and § 158-1.1B sets a limit of 10 inches on weeds or plant growth on all premises and exterior property.