Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Section 63-16 of the Monroe Township Code, titled Maintenance of public abutting lands, puts the duty on a wide group: the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or any person in charge of a building or structure. The sidewalk and the curb abutting that building or structure must be kept free from obstruction and nuisances of every kind. The same sentence also requires the sidewalks, areaways, back yards, courts and alleys to be kept free from litter and other offensive material. The duty follows whoever is in charge of the building, not only the name on the deed.

The section sits in Article I of Chapter 63, Littering and Property Maintenance, and was added on 4-3-89 by Ord. No. 4-89-19. Section 63-17 assigns enforcement of the littering requirements in the Township of Monroe to the Monroe Township Police Department and the Zoning Officer.

Article II of the same chapter adds a companion rule for paved public areas. Section 63-28(A) requires all sidewalks, steps, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas for or used by the public to be kept in a proper state of repair, free of all snow, ice, mud, overhanging trees and shrubs which obstruct walkways, and other debris, and maintained free of hazardous conditions. The owner carries that responsibility, except that the occupant remains responsible for areas bordering or on the premises of any single-family dwelling. If a sidewalk, driveway or portion of one is a danger to public health and safety because of its state of repair, it must be replaced.

Section 63-8 separately prohibits throwing or depositing litter in or upon any street, sidewalk or other public place within the Township.