Borough Code

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§212

§275

Property Maintenance

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the exterior of their properties. This includes the removal of debris & garbage, maintaining sidewalks & driveways so they pose no hazards and trimming grass, branches, and bushes.

• Remove weeds and trim all landscaping. This includes bushes and grass, which must be kept under four inches in height.
• Invasive plants are defined as any unwanted vines and or vegetation that may spread and harm native structure. All residents are required to control the growth of such invasive plants.
• All structures extending over streets, sidewalks, or premises must be kept in good repair and safe, without causing hazards. All sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and entrance stairs must be kept safe and free of hazards for anyone using them.
• You must clear snow and ice from the sidewalk next to your home or business within 12 hours after it stops snowing

Property Maintenance
PropertyMaintenance@LeoniaNJ.gov

§247

Sidewalk Maintenance

Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks in good and passable condition. This is true even if a Borough tree has uplifted the sidewalk. Rule of Thumb: If a stroller or walking device cannot pass without trouble, then the sidewalk is in need of repair.

• DO NOT SHAVE TREE ROOTS! Damaging a tree during the course of sidewalk repair is not tolerated and will be subject to violations including imposition of fines and tree replacement fees.
• Residents may not remove or damage Borough trees even if they are the cause of the sidewalk damage.

Click here for more information on Sidewalk Maintenance including repair strategies and answers to frequently asked questions.

Property Maintenance
PropertyMaintenance@LeoniaNJ.gov

§275-15

Tree removal

Tree Removal Requires a Permit! You must get a permit to remove any tree 8 inches or more in diameter. The fee is $20 + replacement fee (waived for dead/diseased trees with proof).
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT

Planting Near Sidewalks: You must get Shade Tree Commission approval to plant any tree between the sidewalk and curb. Certain species (e.g., poplar, willow) are not allowed near utilities.

Building Department
201-592-5780 x 253
201-592-5780 x 265

Shade Tree Commission
ShadeTreeCommission@LeoniaNJ.gov

§275-14

Tree Maintenance

Tree Maintenance: You must prune branches over sidewalks and streets to keep 8 ft of clearance and remove dead or hazardous limbs. Do not damage or climb trees with spikes, or pour chemicals near them.

Hazardous Trees: If a tree poses a safety risk or is diseased, the Borough may order its removal. If ignored, the Borough will do the work and charge the owner.

Emergencies: Trees that pose imminent dangers may be removed without a permit, but the Borough must be notified within 7 days with photos and documentation.

Building Department
201-592-5780 x 253
201-592-5780 x 265

§147

Garage Sales & Block Parties

In order to host a Garage Sale and or Block Party, you must acquire a license which comes along with a small fee.

Garage Sales: Each address is limited to two sales per year, lasting up to three days. You must apply 7 days in advance and can only run from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Certain groups such as nonprofits may be exempt.
Garage Sale Application

Block Parties: Events must run between 10am and 10pm. DPW will provide blockades.
Block Party Application

Borough Clerk
jmandel@LeoniaNJ.gov

§123-6

Dog & Cat Licenses

The Borough of Leonia requires that all dogs and cats be licensed annually or every three years. Registration is due before March 1 of the calendar year.

Annual License Fees

Sterilized dog/cat: $12 per year or $30 for a three-year license.

Non-sterilized dog/cat, $21 per year or $63 for three years.

Dog License Application
Cat License Application

A late fee of $10 will be applied to any dog or cat license renewal submitted between March 1 and December 31.

Board of Health
BOH@LeoniaNJ.gov

§161-4

License registration for landscapers

Anyone wishing to operate as a landscaper in Leonia must first obtain a license and provide proof of business liability insurance in the amount of $100,000. The license application must be completed on forms provided by the Borough Clerk.

The annual license fee is $35. Upon payment, the Borough Clerk will issue a registration certificate.
Landscaper Registration Application

All landscapers must remove lawn clippings and other landscaping debris from the site.

Borough Clerk
jmandel@LeoniaNJ.gov

§262-2

Internal combustion (gas-powered) leaf blowers

Seasonal restrictions:

Limited to the periods from March 15 through May 15, and from October 15 through December 15.

Time restrictions:

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. property owners or occupants may use them until 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or until 6:00 p.m.

Sundays: only property owners or occupants may use them, and only between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

All gas-powered leaf blowers must be equipped with a working muffler.

Property Maintenance
PropertyMaintenance@LeoniaNJ.gov

§251

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space to remove excess water, preventing flooding and moisture issues.

Existing Installations (Before Sept. 1, 2024)

• Okay to keep as-is, unless there’s a problem (icing, algae, water buildup, neighbor complaints).
• If there’s a problem, the Borough may require you to:
  • Move discharge point 10+ feet from property lines.
  • Redirect water to your own absorbent area.

New Installations

• Permit required – $100 fee, apply through the Leonia Building Department.
• PERMIT APPLICATION

   

  Discharge rules

• Must go onto your own absorbent surface (grass, soil, mulch).
• Not allowed to discharge into the street, neighbor's property, or sanitary sewer.
• Borough approval needed to connect to a storm drain or sewer system.
• Use a splash block near the foundation.
• No public hazards (e.g., standing water or ice).