West New York, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Chapter 352 of the Code of the Town of West New York regulates what sits on or hangs over the sidewalk. Section 352-4 makes it unlawful to erect or maintain stands or showcases, or display or sell merchandise on or from the sidewalks of the town, or to place any article, substance or thing upon the sidewalks in any manner so as to encumber them. Section 352-5 reaches store owners: no one can offer, display or sell goods from store premises fronting on any street or avenue in a way that encumbers the sidewalk in front of the store.

Two exceptions exist. Under § 352-6, the Board of Commissioners can authorize by resolution a special sidewalk sale on no more than four occasions in any one year, each for no more than four days and open to all merchants with a retail store in the Town. Merchants with a retail store can also hold sidewalk sales on all Saturdays, including holidays, from the week before Thanksgiving to the week after Three Kings Day (January 6). The Editor's Note to Article II records that Ord. No. 1745, as amended by Ord. No. 1835, lets fruit and vegetable stores display fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants on the sidewalk, extending not more than 28 inches from the facade of the storefront and positioned so pedestrian traffic is not encumbered, with a certificate of insurance of not less than $100,000/$300,000 filed with the Town Clerk.

Overhead and below-grade encroachments need permission too. Under § 352-1 no person can place any post, sign, porch, shed or awning in, upon or over a street or sidewalk except with the permission of the Board of Commissioners, and no shed or awning permit is granted unless seven feet of clear space is left above the sidewalk. Windows cannot extend more than one foot into a public street or sidewalk (§ 352-2). Areaways, cellar openings and entrances need an iron cover resting level with the street when closed and cannot extend more than three feet over the line of a public street (§ 352-3). Section 352-3.1 bars obstructing any public sidewalk, alley, street or other right-of-way to use fireworks and sparkling devices.