Stafford Township, NJ Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Chapter 177, titled the Skateboarding Ordinance (§ 177-1), bans skateboarding on commercial property without the owner's consent. Section 177-3 says that, except as a means of transportation to and from a commercial establishment, no person shall operate a skateboard or engage in skateboarding, or operate any human-powered locomotion device, on commercial establishments or the surrounding area designated for vehicle or pedestrian traffic without the prior written consent of the owner or his agent. The devices covered include, but are not limited to, roller skates, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters and bicycles.

Section 177-2 defines a commercial establishment as a place or group of places open to the general public where commodities and services are exchanged, bought or sold, including a store, shopping center, mall or professional complex, together with the surrounding area designated for vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

The ban depends on a sign. Section 177-4 makes the prohibition unenforceable unless a sign which clearly indicates the prohibition and the penalty for violation has been prominently posted by the owner of the commercial establishment. Section 177-5 requires that sign to comply with § 211-35P of the Code, with an exception from the approval required by § 211-35P(3)(a).

The Township also runs a skateboard park under § 151-37. Skaters must skate responsibly and wear a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads at all times. A child under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and participants 12 and over must carry a photo identification card showing name, current address and birth date. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to dark on Saturdays and holidays, 12:00 noon to dark on Sundays, 2:00 p.m. to dark on weekdays during the school year, and 10:00 a.m. to dark on weekdays when school is not in session. The facility is for in-line skates and skateboards only, and bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted.