Bayonne, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Bayonne City Code § 25-1.1 requires a permit from the City Engineer before anyone disturbs, removes or breaks pavement, or excavates, in any street, sidewalk, driveway, apron, curb or gutter within the public right-of-way. Under § 25-1.2, the application must list the contractor, two emergency phone numbers, the nature and dimensions of the disturbance, and start and completion dates; the Building Division issues the permit under the City Engineer's direction, and it is valid for 180 days unless extended at the Engineer's discretion. Fees run from $50 for openings up to 100 square feet plus $1 per additional square foot, to $35 for the first day of a roadway obstruction plus $15 per day after, per § 25-1.3, and the applicant must post a $1,500 maintenance bond and liability insurance of at least $100,000/$300,000 for injury and $50,000 for property damage.

Section 25-1.11 then sets the physical limits on any temporary encroachment used to store construction materials: it cannot extend beyond the curbline more than two-fifths of the roadway's width or beyond the property line in length, and it can never obstruct vehicle passage. The full six-foot width of the sidewalk must stay free of obstructions, the gutter must be properly bridged to keep storm water flowing, and any material left in the street overnight must be guarded with lighted red lanterns placed no more than 10 feet apart and kept burning from sunset to sunrise, with additional lamps used to light any obstruction occupying the sidewalk.