Reference
Sidewalk snow removal rules, town by town
New Jersey leaves sidewalk snow to each municipality, so the deadline, the fine and what happens if you miss it change at every town line. These are the rules from each town's own code, for the 156 municipalities we have verified across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Warren Counties.
There is no single New Jersey deadline. Of the 156 towns here, 135set a sidewalk clearing deadline, most often 12 or 24 hours, but it runs from five daylight hours in Alpha to 48 hours in Wayne and Butler. Business districts can be tighter: Fort Lee gives commercial property four daylight hours, and Ridgewood's business zones must be cleared while the snow is still falling. In 105 of them the town can clear the sidewalk itself and put the cost on the property as a lien. Another 20 set no sidewalk deadline but do ban pushing snow into the road.
Sussex County (22 towns)
| Town | Deadline | Penalty | If you don't |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andover Borough | Andover Borough gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk and one foot out into the gutter. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can remove it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Andover Township | Andover Township gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Branchville | Branchville does not allow snow or ice from a driveway to be deposited on the paved part of any borough road. | See the town code | |
| Byram | Byram gives the owner, occupant, tenant or lessee 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | A first offense in a year brings a warning, then a $50 fine, then $100. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and charge the labor cost plus 25%, at least $100, as a lien on the property. |
| Frankford | Frankford does not allow anyone to place snow or ice on township streets. | The fine is up to $50 for each day of a violation. | |
| Franklin Borough | Franklin Borough gives the owner or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear a path at least two feet wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Fredon | Fredon does not allow snow or ice to be put into any street in the township. | See the town code | |
| Green | Green Township requires owners to keep a five-foot circle around an abutting fire hydrant clear of snow within 24 hours of daylight; if they do not, the township can clear it and bill up to $75. | See the town code | |
| Hamburg | Hamburg gives the owner or tenant 24 hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk, at least two feet wide. | See the town code | The borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Hampton Township | Hampton Township requires the land uses its ordinance covers to clear interior roads and parking areas within eight hours of daylight. | The penalty is $2 to $500 per violation. | |
| Hopatcong | Hopatcong gives the owner or occupant until noon the day after the snowfall ends to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Lafayette | Lafayette does not allow anyone other than township crews to shovel, blow or plow snow into the public right-of-way, and snow may never be moved onto the traveled part of the road. | See the town code | |
| Montague | Montague does not allow snow to be dumped on township roads, and anyone who leaves driveway snow on the paved road must remove it right away. | The fine is $5 to $500, with a first offense capped at $200. | |
| Newton | Newton gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 for a first offense and $100 for a second, and a third means a mandatory municipal court appearance. | If it is not done, the town can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Ogdensburg | Ogdensburg gives whoever is in charge of a property six hours after the snow stops to clear business and commercial sidewalks, and 12 hours for all other sidewalks. | See the town code | If the borough has to do the work, the responsible person owes the cost plus a penalty of 50% of it. |
| Sandyston | Sandyston does not allow snow or ice to be put into any street. | Violations carry a penalty of up to $100, up to 15 days in jail, or both. | |
| Sparta | Sparta gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Stanhope | Stanhope gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Stillwater | Stillwater does not allow snow to be thrown or plowed into any street, and the owner of a driveway that puts snow on the road must remove it within 24 hours of written notice from the township. | See the town code | |
| Sussex | Sussex Borough gives the owner or tenant 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $250 for three or more. | If it still is not done after notice, the borough can clear it and bill double the actual cost. |
| Vernon | Vernon's sidewalk rule covers the Town Center Zone, where owners, occupants or tenants have 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Wantage | Wantage prohibits blocking a municipal road with snow or ice. | See the town code |
Passaic County (16 towns)
| Town | Deadline | Penalty | If you don't |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomingdale | Bloomingdale gives the owner or tenant 12 hours to clear flag or concrete sidewalks. | The fine for putting snow in the street starts at $50 for a first offense and reaches $500 plus 60 hours of community service for a fourth or later offense. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Clifton | Clifton gives the owner or tenant 24 hours after snow falls to clear sidewalks and gutters. Apartment and multifamily properties have 12 hours to clear their walks, drives and lots. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | The city can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Haledon | Haledon gives the owner or tenant 24 hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk, at least 36 inches wide. | See the town code | The borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Hawthorne | Hawthorne gives the owner or occupant 8 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | The borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Little Falls | Little Falls requires sidewalks to be cleared within 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms. Businesses must also clear the sidewalks, streets and parking areas the public uses. | The fine is $50 for a first offense and $100 for a second, and a third means a mandatory municipal court appearance. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| North Haledon | North Haledon requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours after snow or ice forms. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Passaic | Passaic gives the property owner 24 hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $100 for a residential owner and $200 for a commercial owner, per offense. | If the owner does not, the city clears a path at least 28 inches wide in residential areas, or the full sidewalk in business districts, and liens the cost. |
| Paterson | Paterson gives the owner or tenant 12 daylight hours after snow or ice forms to clear the abutting sidewalk. | The fine is $50, plus $30 in court costs. | If it is not done, the cost of clearing it becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Pompton Lakes | Pompton Lakes gives owners and occupants 24 hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 a day for a first violation and up to $500 a day, plus court costs, after that. | The borough can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Prospect Park | Prospect Park gives the owner, occupant or person in charge 12 daylight hours after snow stops falling to clear a path at least four feet wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Ringwood | Ringwood does not allow anyone to shovel, move or place snow onto a public street or sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Totowa | Totowa gives the owner or occupant 12 hours after daylight to clear the sidewalk. | Violations of the article carry a fine of up to $2,000 per offense or up to 90 days in jail. | |
| Wanaque | Wanaque requires sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours after snow or ice forms. | The penalty runs from $50 up to $500 for repeated offenses. | The borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Wayne | Wayne gives the owner or tenant 48 hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk, at least 36 inches wide. | The fine is $100 for each violation. | The township can clear it and place a lien on the property for the cost. |
| West Milford | West Milford's sidewalk rule covers commercial property, whose owners have 12 hours after the storm ends to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Woodland Park | Woodland Park gives owners or occupants 12 hours of daylight to clear paved sidewalks. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a first lien on the property. |
Bergen County (66 towns)
| Town | Deadline | Penalty | If you don't |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allendale | Allendale gives the owner 24 hours of daylight after snow or ice forms to clear the public sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or up to 90 days of community service. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Alpine | Alpine does not allow any person, property owner or contractor to place or plow snow or ice onto a public street. | The fine is up to $200. | |
| Bergenfield | Bergenfield gives the owner or tenant 24 hours after snow and ice stop falling to clear the paved sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost is added to the next tax bill as a lien on the property. |
| Bogota | Bogota gives the owner or tenant in possession 18 hours after snow or ice falls to clear the sidewalks. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost is added to the next tax bill. |
| Carlstadt | Carlstadt gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk, or to cover ice with sand or ashes. | See the town code | If it is not done, it is removed under the direction of the superintendent of public works and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Cliffside Park | Cliffside Park gives the owner, tenant or agent in charge 18 hours of daylight after a snowfall to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is still there after 24 hours, the borough can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Closter | Closter gives whoever is in charge of a property, whether owner, tenant, occupant or lessee, 12 hours of daylight after the storm ends to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is still not done three days after notice, the Superintendent of Public Works can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Cresskill | Cresskill gives owners, occupants or tenants 24 hours after snow stops to clear the sidewalk at least 24 inches wide. | The fine is up to $50 for each day the violation continues. | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Demarest | Demarest gives owners, occupants or tenants 24 hours of daylight to clear newly fallen snow and ice at least two feet wide. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done within three days of notice, it is removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Dumont | Dumont does not allow snow or ice to be thrown onto a road or sidewalk before or after it has been cleaned or plowed. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | |
| East Rutherford | East Rutherford gives occupants or owners 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $250 to $500 for each violation. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Edgewater | Edgewater gives whoever is in charge of a property, whether owner, tenant, occupant or lessee, 24 hours after the snowfall to clear sidewalks, walkways, ramps, stairs, driveways and parking areas. | The fine is $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $150 for a third or later offense. | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works fixes it and the cost becomes a first lien on the property. |
| Elmwood Park | Elmwood Park gives the owner 24 hours after snow or ice falls to clear the sidewalk. | A first violation requires one day of community service in the borough. | If it is not done, the cost of clearing it becomes a first lien on the property. |
| Emerson | Emerson gives whoever is in charge of a property, whether owner, tenant, occupant or lessee, 12 hours after the snow, sleet or freezing rain stops to clear the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | If the borough has to do the work, the responsible person owes the cost plus a penalty of 50% of it. |
| Englewood | Englewood gives the owner 24 hours after snow stops falling to clear the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | |
| Fair Lawn | Fair Lawn gives the owner or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | See the town code | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Fairview | Fairview gives the owner, agent, tenant or occupant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk at least four feet wide. Between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., new ice must be dealt with within two hours. | See the town code | |
| Fort Lee | Fort Lee gives residential owners or tenants 12 hours after the snowfall ends to clear the sidewalk and any fire hydrant. Commercial, professional and office properties have four daylight hours. | See the town code | If it is not done, a snow removal service clears it under the direction of the Building Inspector and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Franklin Lakes | Franklin Lakes gives owners or tenants of commercial property 12 daylight hours, counted between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., to clear the sidewalk. Owners or tenants of residential property have 24 hours, or until one hour before a declared school opening, whichever is later. | The penalty is $50 for a first offense and $100 for each offense after that. | If it is not done, the Director of Public Works removes it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Garfield | Garfield gives the owner or tenant in possession 24 hours to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | The fine is $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 plus a mandatory court appearance for a third within a year, with a maximum of $2,000 after that. | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works removes it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Hackensack | Hackensack gives owners, tenants or occupants six hours of daylight after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Superintendent of Public Works has it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Harrington Park | Harrington Park gives owners or tenants 24 hours to clear the sidewalk or apply ice-melting compound. | Failing to clear snow from around a fire hydrant carries a penalty of $100 to $500 for each day. | If it is not done, the Superintendent can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Hasbrouck Heights | Hasbrouck Heights gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. In the Boulevard business section, sidewalks must be cleared to within one foot of the curb. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Superintendent of Public Works can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Haworth | Haworth gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough has it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Ho-Ho-Kus | Ho-Ho-Kus gives owners or tenants 24 hours after daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 if it is still not done after notice from the police, and up to $500 for throwing snow into the street. | |
| Leonia | Leonia gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | The fine is $100 for a first offense and $250 for a second or later offense in the same calendar year. | If it is not done, the borough can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Little Ferry | Little Ferry gives owners, tenants or occupants 24 hours after the storm ends to clear the sidewalk, or 48 hours during a declared state or federal emergency. | The fine is $500 for a first offense, $900 for a second and $1,250 for a third or later offense. | If it is not done, the borough has it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Lodi | Lodi gives the owner or tenant in possession 24 hours to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 10 days in jail, or both. | If it is not done, the Borough Manager can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Lyndhurst | Lyndhurst gives owners or tenants 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | The penalty is $250. | |
| Mahwah | Mahwah gives owners or tenants 12 hours to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Director of Public Works removes it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Maywood | Maywood gives every owner, tenant or occupant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk and any fire hydrant. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and bill the owner, who has 30 days to pay before the cost is added to the tax bill. |
| Midland Park | Midland Park gives the owner or tenant 24 hours from sunrise to clear the sidewalk at least two feet wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Director removes it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Montvale | Montvale gives owners or tenants 24 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Moonachie | Moonachie gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough has it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| New Milford | New Milford gives the owner 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $250 to $1,250 per occurrence for commercial property and $100 to $1,250 for other property. | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works does the work and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| North Arlington | North Arlington gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear snow and ice. | See the town code | |
| Northvale | Northvale gives owners, tenants or occupiers 24 hours to clear improved sidewalks and walkways. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can have it removed and the owner must repay the borough's cost. |
| Norwood | Norwood gives owners of record, tenants and occupants 24 hours of daylight after snowfall ends to clear the sidewalk. Snow or ice that starts after 6 p.m. must be cleared by 9 a.m. the next morning. | The fine is $50 for the first day, $100 for the second day and $150 from the third day. | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Oakland | Oakland gives the owner, tenant or occupant 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $100 a day for a first violation and $200 a day for a second or later violation. | If it is not done, the borough can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Old Tappan | Old Tappan gives every owner or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien or tax on the property. |
| Oradell | Oradell gives every owner or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien or tax on the property. |
| Palisades Park | Palisades Park gives the property owner 12 hours to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works has it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Paramus | Paramus gives owners or tenants 24 hours to clear the paved sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough has it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Park Ridge | Park Ridge gives the owner or tenant in possession 18 hours to clear the sidewalk. | A first offense carries a minimum fine of $100; later fines run from $100 to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done, the Director of Operations has it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Ramsey | Ramsey gives the owner, occupant or tenant 24 hours after a snowfall stops to clear the sidewalk, and both sides of Main Street between Central Avenue and Island Avenue must be cleared full width. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough can have someone do the work and the cost becomes a lien added to the property taxes. |
| Ridgefield | Ridgefield gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear sidewalks and gutters. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Property Maintenance Inspector hires a private contractor and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Ridgefield Park | Ridgefield Park gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the village uses a contractor from a rotating list and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Ridgewood | Ridgewood gives the owner of an owner-occupied or vacant property, or otherwise the tenant or occupant, 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. In the B-1, B-2, P and P-2 zones, sidewalks must be cleared as the snow falls, and evening snow after 6 p.m. must be cleared by 9 a.m. | See the town code | If it is not done, the village can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| River Edge | River Edge gives the owner or occupant 12 daylight hours after the snow stops to clear paved sidewalks. | The maximum penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works can clear it and the cost becomes a first lien on the property. |
| River Vale | River Vale gives owners, tenants and occupants 12 hours of daylight to clear the full width of the sidewalk. Properties open to the public for business have six hours of daylight. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and bill the owner. |
| Rochelle Park | Rochelle Park gives the owner or occupant 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | Residential fines are $75, then $150, then $250 to $500, and up to $1,000 for a fourth offense in a year. Commercial fines are $150, then $200, then $300 to $500, and up to $1,500. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Rutherford | Rutherford gives the owner, tenant or occupant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $200, or $250 to $500 for a nonresidential property that puts snow into the street. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Saddle Brook | Saddle Brook gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | The fine is $50 to $500, or up to 30 days in jail. | |
| Saddle River | Saddle River does not allow any property owner, contractor or other person to throw or plow snow onto a road after the borough has plowed it. | The fine is $100. | |
| South Hackensack | South Hackensack gives owners or tenants 18 hours of daylight to clear snow and ice, and the snow must be kept on the property, not put on township streets. | The fine is $200 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,500 for a third. | If it is not done, the township can have it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Teaneck | Teaneck gives owners or tenants on the streets listed in the ordinance 12 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk. On all other streets they have 24 hours. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Township Manager has it cleared and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Tenafly | Tenafly gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Director of Public Works can have it cleared and the cost is collected as a lien on the property. |
| Teterboro | Teterboro gives the owner 24 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $1,000. | If it is not done, the borough can give notice and remove it, and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Upper Saddle River | Upper Saddle River gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk at least two feet wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Department of Public Works can remove it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Waldwick | Waldwick gives the owner or occupant 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If the snow is an immediate danger to public safety, the Superintendent of Public Works can remove it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Wallington | Wallington gives owners 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If the borough clears it, the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Washington Township | Washington Township gives whoever is in charge of a property, whether owner, tenant, occupant or lessee, 12 hours after the snow, sleet or freezing rain stops to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Westwood | Westwood gives the owner 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough removes it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Wood-Ridge | Wood-Ridge gives the owner or operator 12 hours of daylight to clear sidewalks and driveway aprons. | See the town code | If it is not done, code enforcement or Public Works has the work done and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Woodcliff Lake | Woodcliff Lake gives owners or tenants 24 hours after the storm ends to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Wyckoff | Wyckoff gives owners or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | Owners or tenants face a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A plow operator who pushes a private lot's snow onto a public road is fined $250, then $500 for each later offense. | If it is not done, the township removes it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
Morris County (34 towns)
| Town | Deadline | Penalty | If you don't |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boonton Town | Boonton gives the owner or occupant the first 12 hours of daylight after snow stops falling to clear a path three feet wide along the whole sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the cost of clearing it is charged against the property and becomes a lien. |
| Butler | Butler gives the owner 48 hours to clear snow and ice from paved sidewalks. | See the town code | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Chatham Borough | Chatham Borough gives property owners, tenants or occupants the first 12 hours of daylight to clear a walkway at least four feet wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Director of Public Works can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Chatham Township | Chatham Township's rule covers garden apartment developments, nursing homes, office buildings, shopping centers and other properties the public visits for business, which have six hours of daylight after a snowfall to clear their sidewalks. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and unpaid costs are added to the next tax bill. |
| Chester Borough | Chester Borough gives property owners 24 hours after a snowfall to clear the full width of the sidewalk, and rock salt may never be used on sidewalks. | The fine is up to $1,000 for each offense. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and unpaid costs are added to the next tax bill. |
| Denville | Denville gives the owner or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the full width and length of the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Dover | Dover gives the property owner 24 hours after every fall of snow to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 for a first offense and $150 for a second, and a third or later offense carries a fine of $250 to $1,250. | If it is still not cleared within 24 hours of a posted notice, the town can do the work and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| East Hanover | East Hanover gives owners, occupants or tenants 24 hours after a snowfall ends to clear the full width of the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | |
| Florham Park | Florham Park does not allow snow from any property to be deposited onto a borough street, including by a private plowing contractor, and property owners are responsible for their contractors. | The fine is up to $2,000. | |
| Hanover | Hanover gives owners, occupants or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. In a building with several units, the first-floor tenant or occupant is responsible. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the Chief of Police and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Jefferson | Jefferson's rule covers shopping centers, buildings with three or more units and commercial properties, which have six hours of daylight to clear their private streets. | The fine is up to $500. | |
| Kinnelon | Kinnelon does not allow snow to be put onto municipal roads, highways or public rights-of-way. | The penalty is $100 for a first offense, going up $100 per offense to a maximum of $1,000. | |
| Lincoln Park | Lincoln Park does not allow snow removed from a driveway, parking area, sidewalk or any private property to be put onto a street. | See the town code | |
| Long Hill | Long Hill gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the Public Works Manager and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Madison | Madison gives every owner or tenant 24 hours to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | The penalty is $38 for a first offense and $48 for a second, and later offenses carry a fine of up to $500. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Mine Hill | Mine Hill gives owners, occupants and tenants 24 hours after a snowfall ends to clear the sidewalk. Condominium and garden apartment complexes have 12 hours of daylight. | The fine is $50 for each of the first three offenses and $100 after that. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien or tax on the property. |
| Montville | Montville gives owners or tenants 24 hours to clear the sidewalk to bare pavement, 30 inches wide along its whole length. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Superintendent of Public Works can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Morris | Morris Township gives the owner, tenant, occupant or whoever has charge of the property 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk, six feet wide for commercial property and the full width for everything else. | See the town code | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the township and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Morris Plains | Morris Plains gives the owner or tenant in possession 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalks and gutters. | See the town code | If it is not done, the borough has it removed and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Morristown | Morristown requires sidewalks to be cleared within 12 hours after the storm ends, or by noon the next day if it ends between 9 p.m. and midnight. Corner owners must also clear a three-foot strip of gutter at the crosswalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the Director of Public Works has it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Mount Arlington | Mount Arlington gives the owner, occupant or person in charge 24 hours after snow or ice forms to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | |
| Mount Olive | Mount Olive gives owners, occupants or tenants 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. In a building with several units, the first-floor tenant or occupant is responsible. | Violations carry a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail, or up to 90 days of community service. | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the Chief of Police and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Mountain Lakes | Mountain Lakes does not allow snow removed from a parking area, driveway or sidewalk to be put onto any street, sidewalk or other public way. | See the town code | |
| Netcong | Netcong gives the owner or tenant 24 hours to clear the sidewalk edge to edge. | The penalty is $50 for a first offense and $100 after that. | If it is not done, the borough can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Parsippany-Troy Hills | Parsippany-Troy Hills gives the owner, tenant or occupant 24 hours after the storm ends to clear the sidewalks and fire hydrants. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Pequannock | Pequannock gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. In a building with several units, the first-floor tenant or occupant is responsible. | The penalty is $35 plus $15 in court costs. | If it is not done, it is removed under the direction of the Township Engineer and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Randolph | Randolph gives owners, tenants and occupants 12 hours of daylight after a snowfall to clear the sidewalk, and six hours of daylight to deal with ice. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it, and unpaid costs become a lien and tax on the property. |
| Riverdale | Riverdale gives owners and occupants 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. | If it is not done, it can be removed under the direction of the Chief of Police and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Rockaway Borough | Rockaway Borough gives the owner, tenant, occupant or person in charge 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk at least 24 inches wide. | The fine is $100 to $2,000. | If it is not done, the borough has it removed, and unpaid costs become a lien on the property. |
| Rockaway Township | Rockaway Township gives the owner, tenant, occupant or person in charge 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk at least 18 inches wide. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Roxbury | Roxbury gives the owner, tenant or occupant 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Victory Gardens | Victory Gardens gives the owner, tenant or occupant 12 hours of daylight to clear the full width of the sidewalk. Properties the public visits for business have six hours of daylight. | A first offense can be settled with a $50 fine and a second with a $100 fine; the maximum is $2,000. | If it is not done, the borough can have it removed and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Washington Township | Washington Township's sidewalk rule applies inside the area shaded on the ordinance's Schedule A, where the owner, occupant or tenant has 24 hours to clear the sidewalk. | See the town code | If it is not done, it is removed under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Wharton | Wharton gives the owner, tenant, occupant or person in charge 24 hours after the snow stops to clear the sidewalk at least 18 inches wide. | See the town code |
Warren County (18 towns)
| Town | Deadline | Penalty | If you don't |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allamuchy | Allamuchy does not allow snow from private property to be blown, plowed or shoveled into a street. | See the town code | The township can clear roads or sidewalks at the cost of the owners of the land beside them, and an unpaid cost becomes a lien. |
| Alpha | Alpha gives the owner, occupant or agent 5 daylight hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk. | Violations carry a fine of up to $1,250 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost stays a lien on the property until paid. |
| Belvidere | Belvidere gives the owner, tenant or person in possession 24 hours after snowfall stops to clear the sidewalk, vacant lots included. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail. | |
| Blairstown | Blairstown does not allow snow to be thrown, shoveled, pushed or blown from a driveway into the roads the township plows. | See the town code | |
| Franklin Township | Franklin Township gives owners, tenants or occupants 12 hours of daylight after the storm ends to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $100 for a first offense and up to $100 for each offense after that. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and charge the cost against the property. |
| Frelinghuysen | Frelinghuysen gives owners, tenants or occupants the first 12 hours of daylight to clear a path at least four feet wide. | Violations carry a penalty of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, on top of any township removal charges. | |
| Greenwich | Greenwich gives the owner or tenant 24 hours to clear a path at least three feet wide. | See the town code | |
| Hackettstown | Hackettstown gives the owner or tenant 12 daylight hours to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $50 plus court costs. | If it is not done, the town can clear it and the cost becomes a lien on the property. |
| Harmony | Harmony gives the owner or tenant 24 hours to clear a path at least three feet wide. | The fine is up to $100. | |
| Hope | Hope gives property owners 12 hours of daylight after the snow ends to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $250 plus prosecution costs. | |
| Independence | Independence gives the owner, occupant or tenant 24 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is $50 to $500. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Lopatcong | Lopatcong gives owners, occupants or tenants of homes, businesses and apartment complexes 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk, and a written warning can allow 12 more hours. | Violations carry a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail, or up to 90 days of community service. | If it is not done, Public Works removes it and the cost becomes a lien and tax on the property. |
| Mansfield | Mansfield gives the owner or tenant 24 daylight hours to clear the sidewalk and two feet around fire hydrants. | The fine is up to $250 plus prosecution costs. | If it is not done, the township can clear it and the cost stays a lien on the property until paid. |
| Oxford | Oxford gives the owner, occupant or tenant 24 hours to clear sleet and ice from the sidewalk. | The fine runs from a minimum of $250 up to $2,000. | |
| Phillipsburg | Phillipsburg gives the owner or tenant 24 hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk, at least three feet wide. | See the town code | |
| Pohatcong | Pohatcong gives owners, occupants or agents 24 hours of daylight to clear the full width of the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail, and $100 for plowing, blowing or shoveling snow onto a road. | If it is not done, the township can remove it and the cost stays a lien on the property until paid. |
| Washington Borough | Washington Borough gives the owner, occupant or agent 12 daylight hours after snow falls to clear the sidewalk, and 5 daylight hours after ice forms. | Violations carry a fine of up to $500 or up to 90 days in jail. | If it is not done, the borough can clear it and the cost stays a lien on the property until paid. |
| Washington Township | Washington Township gives the owner, occupant or tenant 12 hours of daylight to clear the sidewalk. | The fine is up to $200 for a first offense, $350 for a second, and $500 or up to 90 days in jail for a third. | If it is not done, the township can remove it and the cost stays a lien on the property until paid. |
How to read this
Each line comes from the town's own ordinance, and the section is cited on the town's page. Where a code only points to a general penalty section without a dollar figure, no fine is shown. A town missing from this list is one where we did not find a sidewalk or road snow rule in the chapters we read, which is not the same as the town having none. Codes change: check the current ordinance before relying on a deadline, and ask your attorney about liability, which a municipal ordinance does not settle on its own.
A commercial snow contract can include walkway clearing and treatment, so a property meets its town's deadline without anyone on site having to remember it. That is most of what JRW Services LLC does across these five counties.
Sites in more than one of these towns?
One contract can cover every site, with each one cleared to its own town's deadline. Call (973) 459-0074 or send the addresses and we will price the season.
What the differences between towns mean for a property manager →