Elizabeth Code §3-4 and Union County municipalities require vacant lot maintenance: grass below 10 inches, trash removal, secure perimeter. Vacant Property Registration mandatory under N.J.S.A. 55:19-78.
Elizabeth Code §3-4 and Union Township Code Ch. 189 require vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of overgrowth, trash, and safety hazards. Grass and weeds cannot exceed 10 inches (Elizabeth) or 12 inches (Union Township); non-compliant lots mowed by the City with costs liened. Vacant structures must be secured against trespass with boarded or sealed openings. Under NJ's Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq.), municipalities may designate properties as abandoned and initiate expedited foreclosure or receivership. Elizabeth maintains an active Vacant Property Registry — annual registration fee $500 first year, escalating to $2,000+ after 3+ years vacant. Illegal dumping on vacant lots is prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9.3. Fire hazards (overgrown brush near structures) trigger fire code enforcement.
Written notice 10-day compliance. Municipal mowing/cleanup $200–$800+ per occurrence, liened. Vacant Registration non-compliance: $500–$2,000 annual + penalties. Illegal dumping: N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9.3 — up to $50,000.
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