Clifton, NJ Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Section 378A-3A sets initial eligibility conditions before the Department of Engineering will even consider an application: no more than two documented and verified police-response complaints against the property in the last two years, no Noise Ordinance conviction in Municipal Court within two years, current standing on city taxes, water and sewer charges, and no open Code Enforcement violations. Section 378A-3B makes it unlawful to operate or advertise an STRP, including on the MLS or any web platform, without first obtaining the permit, and bars transferring, assigning or using the permit at any address other than the one it was issued for.

Under § 378A-3D and § 378A-3F, a granted permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually on the anniversary date with a new application, a property inspection, and a renewal fee. Section 378A-4A requires the sworn application to list the owner's contact information, the unit address, proof of principal-residence status, 24/7 contact information for the property agent and responsible party, and parking-space details. Section 378A-4B requires an annual fire-safety and property-maintenance inspection, and § 378A-4C requires a Zoning Compliance Certificate confirming the use complies with Chapter 461 zoning.

The Department of Engineering must issue or deny the permit, with written reasons for any denial, within 10 business days of a complete application (§ 378A-5A), and a denied applicant has 10 business days to appeal in writing to the City Manager's office, which must decide the appeal within 30 days (§ 378A-5B, C).