West New York, NJ Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 299-1A of the Property Maintenance chapter names "vacant land" next to residential single and multifamily and commercial property, so an empty lot in the Town of West New York carries the same upkeep duty as an occupied one. Owners and managers must keep the property and its abutting sidewalks in good state of repair and free of dirt, debris, and any obstruction or accumulation of material in the sidewalk, yards, driveways, alleyways and any other open areas.

Section 299-3A adds the working list: remove all litter, refuse, junk, unreasonable growth of weeds and brush, and all trash, rubbish, debris and waste on the property or its abutting sidewalk, and repair deteriorated or dilapidated portions. Section 299-3B requires the abutting sidewalk to be clean and free of any structural danger that can injure pedestrians, and § 299-3C requires reasonable means to prevent graffiti and prompt cleanup of defacement.

Three other parts of the Code of the Town of West New York reach vacant lots. Section 242-13 makes it unlawful to throw or deposit litter on any open or vacant public or private property within the town, whether owned by that person or not. Section 306-16B bars keeping a vehicle that is missing tires, wheels, engine or essential parts, shows extensive body damage, lacks a current valid state license, or is wrecked or disassembled, on streets, vacant lots and residential lawns unless it sits in a fully enclosed structure. Chapter 409 adopts the Weed Control Code of New Jersey (1953), which declares ragweed and poison ivy a nuisance and provides for removal or abatement and recovery of the Board of Commissioners' expenses; three copies are on file with the Health Officer.

Selling vacant land also triggers Chapter 148: § 148-1E requires a vacant property certificate for the sale of any vacant land.