Clifton, NJ Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Clifton Code § 332-5
- Enforcing officials
- Police Department or Health Officer
- Minimum abatement notice period
- 24 hours
- Maximum fine on conviction
- $1,250
- Maximum jail/community service
- 90 days
- City can bill owner for cleanup
- yes, via civil action
Summary
Clifton makes it unlawful to let garbage, refuse, manure or animal or vegetable matter pile up if it can feed rodents or serve as a breeding place or harborage for them. The Police Department or Health Officer can order the condition abated, and noncompliance escalates to a city cleanup billed to the owner.
It shall be unlawful to cause, permit or allow the existence or presence of any accumulation of garbage, refuse, manure or animal or vegetable matter which serves as food for rodents and to which they may have access or which serves or constitutes a breeding place or harborage for rodents in or on any land, premises, building or other place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
" The chapter is enforced by the Police Department, Health Officer or other authorized official under § 332-1. When an inspector finds a violation on private property, § 332-9 requires written notice to the owner to abate it within a stated period of at least 24 hours, unless the condition is an immediate danger to health or safety, in which case no notice period applies; a copy goes to a tenant or occupant, or is posted on the premises if the owner cannot be reached.
Under § 332-10, if the owner fails to comply within the notice period, the enforcing official may abate the nuisance directly or have it removed by other lawful means. Section 332-12 lets the City recover its abatement costs in a civil action against the owner, tenant or occupant who allowed the condition to exist. The same notice-and-abatement machinery applies to public property under § 332-11. Chapter 332 was adopted 8-3-2011 by Ord. No. 6974-11, replacing the former Chapter 331 nuisance ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Anyone who violates or fails to comply with a § 332-9 abatement notice is guilty under § 332-13 and, upon conviction, faces a fine of up to $1,250, plus up to 90 days of community service and up to 90 days in jail. The City may also recover its own cleanup costs from the owner, tenant or occupant under § 332-12 in a separate civil action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What property conditions count as attracting rodents in Clifton?
How much notice does the city give before enforcing?
What happens if the owner ignores the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
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