Homelessness & Encampment Rules in New Jersey (2026)
6 rules on the books across New Jersey, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Sit-Lie Rules
Citywide rules against sitting or lying on public sidewalks during specified daytime hours in commercial corridors, including how courts have constrained enforcement.
Encampment Sanitation
How cities provide trash, hygiene, and bulky-item pickup at encampments, the CARE/CARE+ cleanups in LA, and the storage-of-belongings rules from Lavan v. LA.
Clifton
Heavy RestrictionsClifton's parks code makes it unlawful to pitch a tent, shack or other temporary shelter for overnight camping anywhere…
Read full rule →Gloucester County
Heavy RestrictionsGloucester County bars erecting tents or any temporary shelter for overnight camping in its parks. Section 2(r) of the…
Read full rule →Trenton
Heavy RestrictionsTrenton bars sleeping, lodging, or taking up residence on any street, sidewalk, park, public building floor, or the…
Read full rule →Burlington County
Significant RestrictionsRule 18 of the Burlington County Parks System Rules and Regulations bars camping, tents, shelters or encampments…
Read full rule →Lakewood
Significant RestrictionsTownship Code § 3-26 makes it unlawful to camp, with a tent, tarp, sleeping bag or similar shelter, on private property…
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