Rules & Ordinances in Franklin Lakes
Key local ordinances and regulations. Always check with the municipal clerk for the most current rules.
Noise Ordinance
Franklin Lakes enforces quiet hours to maintain its residential tranquility.
- ●Construction permitted Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- ●Saturday construction 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- ●No construction on Sundays or federal holidays
- ●Leaf blowers and power equipment restricted before 8:00 AM on weekends
- ●Excessive noise complaints handled by the Police Department
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Property Maintenance
Property owners are required to maintain their lots and structures to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and property values.
- ●Lawns must be regularly maintained — excessive growth will result in violation notices
- ●Dead or hazardous trees must be removed (permit required for live tree removal)
- ●Swimming pools must be fenced with self-closing, self-latching gates
- ●No storage of unregistered vehicles or excessive outdoor storage
- ●Snow must be cleared from sidewalks within a reasonable time after snowfall
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Pet Regulations
All dogs must be licensed and controlled. The borough has regulations to manage animals given the semi-rural environment.
- ●Dogs must be licensed annually through the Borough Clerk
- ●Rabies vaccination required for all dogs and cats
- ●Dogs must be leashed or under voice control when off property
- ●Owners must clean up pet waste from public areas and others' property
- ●Wildlife feeding (deer, bears, etc.) is prohibited
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Parking Regulations
Parking regulations focus on safety and preserving the residential character of the community.
- ●No overnight parking on borough streets from November 1 to April 1 (snow removal)
- ●Commercial vehicles over a certain weight restricted from parking in residential areas
- ●No parking within 25 feet of intersections or crosswalks
- ●Vehicles must be parked in the direction of traffic flow
- ●Abandoned or unregistered vehicles will be towed
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Rental Regulations
Rental properties must comply with borough standards and state landlord-tenant law.
- ●Rental properties must have a Certificate of Occupancy
- ●Landlords must comply with NJ state landlord-tenant regulations
- ●Rental units subject to property maintenance code inspections
- ●Multi-family housing is limited by zoning — most zones are single-family residential
- ●Accessory apartments subject to specific ordinance requirements
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Environmental Protections
Franklin Lakes has strong environmental ordinances to protect its natural resources.
- ●Tree removal permits required for trees over 8 inches in diameter
- ●Wetlands buffer zones strictly enforced — no construction within designated areas
- ●Stormwater management regulations apply to all new construction
- ●Fertilizer and pesticide restrictions near waterways and wells
- ●Bear-resistant trash container recommendations due to local black bear population
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code
Deer Management
The borough participates in a managed deer reduction program to address overpopulation.
- ●Borough-authorized deer management hunts conducted in winter months
- ●Specific designated areas and dates — residents notified in advance
- ●Deer feeding prohibited throughout the borough
- ●Deer-resistant landscaping encouraged
Source: Franklin Lakes Borough Code