Bloomfield, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Sidewalk Repair (2026)

The Bloomfield Township Code leaves sidewalk upkeep with the owner next door, not with the Township. Section 497-16(A) states that the installation, repair or replacement of curbs and sidewalks is the responsibility of the abutting property owner. Subsection B then requires a written permit signed by the Township Engineer before any sidewalk, curb, driveway, gutter or drain across the sidewalk space is laid in any street, and the permit lasts three months from issuance.

The application goes to the Township Engineer on a blank form provided by the Township (§ 497-17). It must specify the location, material and width of the work and the size of any drain across the sidewalk space. A contractor cannot receive a permit until a $1,000 bond with a responsible surety company is on file with the Township Engineer, covering all work under the article for one year, and the Township Attorney approves the bond (§ 497-18). The work is done under the Township Engineer's supervision, with materials and workmanship inspected and approved (§ 497-19), and lines and grades are furnished without a fee (§ 497-20).

The Township can force a repair. A sidewalk that is out of line or grade must be relaid by the property owner within 30 days after notice from the Township Engineer, unless the owner gives the Township Council satisfactory reasons for not doing the work (§ 497-21). Concrete work cannot be done from December 1 to April 1, though emergency repairs to flag sidewalks are allowed (§ 497-24).

Build standards apply to new walks: not less than four feet wide, concrete unless the Council authorizes flag, and concrete not less than three inches thick (§ 497-28). Bluestone is protected by § 497-6.1: removal or reconstruction needs a written permit from the Township Engineer, and in the Historic District the walk must be replaced with similar bluestone. Cutting into a sidewalk also requires an excavation permit under § 497-6. In designated streetscape areas, § 497-56 puts repair on the fronting property owner or business owner.