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1. Do residential contractors have to be licensed?

Yes. Residential general contractors must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs in Trenton. You can also find licensing/registration information for other New Jersey-regulated trades at the NJ Consumer Affairs website. (See § 13:45A-16.2 for home improvement contractor registration rules)

Be advised that written contracts are required for all construction projects costing more than five hundred dollars. Always have written contracts for work in your home, including changes made from original contracts.

2. Can I perform my own work?

Yes, in homeowner-occupied single-family dwellings only. Work in all other types of buildings must be done by NJ state-licensed or registered contractors.

3. Can I draw my own plans?

Yes, for work performed in single-family homeowner-occupied dwellings. All other use groups' plans and specs must be drawn by NJ-licensed architects and/or engineers. Even when drawing your own plans, however, you might also be asked to consult architects or engineers for structural calculations.

4. What type of work requires permits?

New buildings and additions to existing buildings require permits. Sometimes, but not always, interior work in one and two-family dwellings will require permits such as new plumbing and electrical work. Creating habitable space in basements or attics, adding bathrooms or laundry rooms where none exist, and rearranging the configuration of existing spaces require permits. Boilers, furnaces, and water heater replacement require permits. Other projects include exterior decks, air conditioning, generators, and accessory structures such as pool houses and gazebos.

Be mindful that the above-mentioned exterior work and other things such as pools and spas, patios, driveways, sheds, and fences, will require zoning certificates to determine compliance with the village's zoning ordinance. If building permits are also required for these items, prior zoning approval must first be obtained before permits can be released.

5. How do I know if a project complies with the zoning ordinance?

The Code of The Village of Ridgewood contains, amongst other things, the zoning ordinance that regulates exterior construction such as new buildings and additions, and other projects that have an impact on the use of land within the village. Building and other structures are regulated as to use, land coverage, and setbacks to adjacent property lines.

These are but a few of the requirements that are checked to ensure compliance with the zoning ordinance, so if there are specific questions regarding any of the bulk requirements, it's best to email the zoning officer directly. Contact information for all department employees can be found on the building department page.

6. What other approvals are required before a permit can be issued?

Prior approvals such as the aforementioned zoning certificate, might also include a Planning or Zoning Board approval, a review by the village's engineering division, the Site Plan Exemption committee, and maybe the Historic Preservation Commission.

In certain instances, outside agencies such as Bergen County Soil Conservation District, the Department of Environmental Protection, and even at times, the Department of Transportation will be considered for prior approvals.

7. Are there things that I can do that do not need permits?

• Work such as painting and wallpapering do not require permits.
• Flooring material can be installed without permits, as can trim and moldings.
• The replacement of any window or door, including garage doors, in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening does not require permits.
• The repair or replacement of any part of a deck, porch, or stoop that does not provide structural support of any roof or portion of a building can be done without permits. (This does not include the new construction of or the total replacement of any porch or stoop).
• Domestic stoves, dishwashers, and clothes dryers can be replaced without obtaining permits.

8. Are permit forms available to download?

Forms are available to download from the village web page, and also from the Department of Community Affairs website, where there are fillable versions for your convenience. Look for the Division of Codes and Standards page where the link to "Additional Resources" can be found.

Forms are also available in the office of the Department of Buildings and Inspections in Village Hall at 131 N Maple Avenue or may be found on the Building Forms page.

9. Do permits expire?

Work must commence within 12 months of the date of issue of permits after which the permit expires. Once work commences a permit will expire if the work is abandoned after a period of 6 months. Special circumstances can permit extensions granted to extend the life of a permit.

10. Do I need to CO to sell my house?

The Building Department does not issue a CO for the resale of a one or two-family dwelling, however, a smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector certification is required from the village's fire prevention bureau before you close the title. Call 201-444-7898 to schedule an inspection.

11. If I convert to natural gas to heat my house do I have to remove my underground storage tank?

New Jersey permits you to abandon in place, your residential fuel oil tank. A permit is required, and after being drained of any remaining oil and residual sludge, an inspection is made to ensure the tank does not have holes and is clean. After the tank is declared clean it is then filled with an approved inert material and the hole is backfilled. The filler neck, vent line, and fuel lines to the heating appliance must all be removed and properly disposed of. Documentation as to where the oil and sludge was deposited must be submitted to the building department before the final certificate of approval is issued.

The removal of a tank follows the same guidelines as noted above, with additional documentation showing where the tank was scrapped after it is removed from the ground. Please be advised that, even though abandonment in place is permitted in New Jersey, more and more we find that lenders and insurance companies want tanks removed regardless of the codes, and that can become an issue at the time of the sale of a property with a tank in the ground. It will be harder to remove a tank filled with gravel than one that is empty.

12. Do I need a permit to cut down trees in the village?

Permits are required to cut down trees. The ordinance is posted on the village web page along with an application (PDF) on the forms page. Applications must be submitted to the Public Works Department in Village Hall for trees on private property, and for questions or concerns about trees in the public right-of-way, calls should be made to the Parks/Shade Tree department at 201-670-5565.

13. Are there rules pertaining to landscaping in front yards?

Live plantings in front yards on interior lots must be set back a minimum of three feet behind the front property line. Be mindful that the sidewalk is usually not the property line, so it should not be used to determine the permitted location of live plantings. There are separate rules for corner lots that regulate plantings and fences for the purpose of maintaining site distance for automobiles approaching intersections. Fences on interior lots can be installed up to the property in front, side, and rear yards.

The application for a zoning review for planting and fences is available in the forms section on the village site. That should be submitted along with a copy of the property survey to the zoning Officer in the building department in Village Hall.

14. Is the use of power tools and leaf blowers regulated in the Village?

The village code, specifically in Chapter 222 at §222-1, regulates the use of power tools, manual tools, and motorized construction equipment. The code is available to read on the Village's website. A link to the village code can be found on the home page.

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1. Where can I dispose of fire extinguishers?

Fire Extinguishers should be disposed at one of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events sponsored by the Bergen County Utilities Authority.

2. Who should I contact to assist with Child Car Seat Installations?

The Ridgewood Fire Department has firefighters that are certified Child Car Seat Technicians, trained to properly install and inspect child car seats.

Child Car seat inspections and installations are done by appointment only.

Please call or email Marisol Romero to set-up an appointment.

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1. How do I contact the Fire Prevention Bureau?

The Fire Prevention Bureau is open Monday through Fridays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on all federal holidays.

They are located at 201 East Glen Avenue and can be reached at 201 444-7898 ext 5480 or by email at fireprevention@ridgewoodnj.net.

2. How do I schedule a smoke detector and carbon monoxide inspection?

You can schedule an appointment by calling the Inspection Office at 201-444-7898 x.5480, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

3. What if my home has a monitored central station fire alarm system?

Any residential or commercial property that has a monitored central station fire alarm system is required to register the alarm system with the Ridgewood Fire Department by calling 201-444-8822 x.4112.

4. How much is a residential smoke detector inspection?

There is an established Fee Schedule, Per Dwelling Unit:

• If scheduled more than 10 days before closing: $120
• If scheduled less than 10 days before closing: $150
• If scheduled within 3 days of closing: $200*
• Before a tenant moves in: $120

*There will be a $500 penalty in addition to the $200 Certification Fee issued to the property owner for non-compliance of state law if this inspection is completed after the closing.

5. Does the Fire Prevention Bureau accept credit cards?

The Fire Prevention Bureau accepts credit cards for in-person transactions only. And note that all credit card transactions will incur an additional 3% technology fee charge. We continue to accept cash or checks. Please make any check payable to the Village of Ridgewood and send to:

Fire Prevention Bureau

201 East Glen Avenue

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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1. Why is Ridgewood doing this?

1) Food is one of the largest parts of our solid waste stream. We pay to send food trash to the landfill, and costs are increasing.
2) Food impacts landfill space and emissions. It forms methane as it breaks down, a potent greenhouse gas.
3) “Worldwide 24 billion tons of fertile soil disappears each year” (UNCCD, 2011). Through this program, food waste will be broken down and returned to the soil, as a vital soil amendment.
4) Although some Ridgewood residents compost their organic waste at home, most do not. This program offers an expanded option for food waste disposal, providing a means to include residents who are unable to do backyard composting, or who will continue backyard composting, but would also like to recycle items that are not compatible with backyard composting programs like meat and bones.

2. What is accepted?

All food, Beans, Bones, Bread, Coffee Grounds & Filters, Dairy, Eggshells & Eggs, Food-Soiled Napkins & Paper Towels, Fruits, Grains, Meat, Pasta, Poultry, Rice, Seafood, Tea Bags (no staples), Vegetables

3. Will participants be provided special receptacles to gather the food waste?

The collection container that we will provide is a sturdy 5 gallon pail with a tight lid. Residents will likely use something smaller in their kitchen to collect food scraps and then dump the contents of that smaller container into the pail as often as they find convenient. We assume that most will keep the pail indoors.

4. Will mice, rats etc. be attracted to this container if kept in the garage?

We spoke with colleagues in a state that already has this program and purchased the container and lid that they recommended. Since the container is heavy duty and the lid is secure, they have received no such reports. However, we would definitely recommend that you take care of your container by keeping it clean and rinsed out regularly.

5. When can I dump my material at the Recycling Center?

You may go on any day that works best for your schedule.  We are open from 8am – 3pm (closed Wednesdays / closed Sundays) and the address follows: Recycling Center, 203 East Glen Avenue (behind fire headquarters).

6. What should I expect to see at home as I continue to participate?

1) Awareness will increase: As you become aware of the amount of food that you put in your food recycling bucket, you will likely start to analyze  where it’s coming from and why it’s getting recycled. Some things (banana peels, bones, eggshells) may not be preventable waste, but that isn’t true for everything. We expect that participants will learn to recognize habits that contribute to unnecessary food decay and preventable food waste.
2) Food waste will decrease: As participants recognize habits that contribute to food waste, they should become motivated to make adjustments. Examples of  these adjustments may include: Learning how to properly store food so that it stays fresher longer, buying only what will be consumed, planning ahead for meals so as to utilize perishables that are on hand, recognizing the difference between ugly produce and recyclable produce.
3) Garbage will decrease: In New Jersey, food waste is estimated to make up approximately 22% of a household’s total garbage. By removing this from  your trash, your garbage should decrease.

7. Can I put ..... in my bucket?

• Paper bags: You can definitely use a brown paper bag to line your 5 gallon pail, but any additional paper bags should be recycled along with paper and cardboard at the curbside, just as we have always done.
•  Tissues: We can take food-soiled napkins and paper towels, but, please, no tissues.
• Biodegradable compost bags: No biodegradable compost bags, please.
• Hard fruit pits, i.e. from avocados, peaches, etc.:  Yes, they are acceptable
• Meat/poultry, cooked or raw: Cooked or raw, we can take it.
• Excess fat from meat:  Solid fat and skin that you trim away as you prep your meat before cooking it, or that you remove while eating is accepted.  Renderings are not accepted.
• Seafood shells from crabs, clams, lobsters: Absolutely, please put them in!
• Used cooking oil and bacon grease: No cooking oils, liquids or renderings please.
• Butter or grease: We can take food cooked in butter or grease. Similarly, a buttered roll that is not consumed can be recycled. Please just don’t pour renderings or cooking oil into the bucket.
• A greasy pizza box: No pizza boxes, please.  If your pizza box is grease and oil free, as well as completely empty, it can be recycled with your cardboard. Similarly, if the bottom is greasy, one could rip the box apart at the hinge, throw the greasy bottom section in the garbage, and recycle the clean lid with cardboard recycling.
• Pet food (canned,  fresh or dry): We are not accepting pet food.

8. What happens to the food that is collected?

Food is delivered to Trenton Renewables where it is turned into compost and organic fertilizer for local farms as well as renewable biogas to power the state-of-the art facility.

9. Who transports the food to Trenton Renewables, and how often?

Ridgewood’s hauler is Natural Upcycling, a company that services supermarkets in our area. Because their vehicles are already passing Ridgewood and are already trucking material to Trenton Renewables, they provided competitive pricing and weekly service.

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1. Do I have to recycle?

Yes! Recycling is the law. In 1987, Governor Kean signed the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act. This law makes recycling mandatory throughout the entire State of New Jersey in accordance with local recycling ordinances. Village of Ridgewood Ordinance #2284 requires all residents, institutions, schools, and businesses to separate and recycle newsprint, corrugated cardboard, mixed papers (magazines, catalogues, direct mail, white and colored office paper), tin/steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, white goods, non-ferrous and ferrous metals, and vegetative waste.

2. Do I have to use the official beige barrel for bottles & cans?

Yes. Municipal ordinances require that recyclable bottles & cans be placed in the official 32 gallon beige recycling container that is issued by the Recycling Division.  Following this requirement contributes to consistency of collections and helps to protect the employees who service each home.

3. Where do I get recycling containers?

Barrels, crates, lids, and wheels are available at the Recycling Center located at 203 E. Glen Ave (behind Fire Headquarters) from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (closed Wednesdays and  closed Sundays.)

Exact change, check, and credit cards accepted, but there is a 3% charge to use a credit card. 

Available items and pricing:

• NEW Recycling Rollout Cart with attached lid and wheels - $50
• Lid for Older Style recycling barrel - $5 each (limited stock remaining)

4. How do the optional wheels connect to the OLD style recycling barrel?

The wheels slide into grooves on the bottom of the barrel to become "attached". Therefore, because they are not permanently connected, they may be purchased after the fact and attached, or removed from one barrel and placed onto another.

5. Where is the Recycling Center and what are the hours?

203 E. Glen Avenue (behind Ridgewood Fire Headquarters). Hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. (Note:  Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.)



6. What is my recycling zone/area?

Get your collection calendar from Recycle Coach, a mobile application available for free download on Google Play or the App Store.



7. Where can I find another copy of my recycling schedule/Green Guide?

Just click on your Recycling Area please.
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
Area 6
Area 7
Area 8

8. I just moved in and have a lot of moving boxes. What should I do with them?

Please save them for your next curbside recycling pickup. Cardboard boxes should be free of foam, plastic, and/or trash. Boxes may also be delivered to the recycling center.

9. Are cardboard pizza boxes recyclable?

We only accept clean cardboard.  If your pizza box is grease and oil free, as well as completely empty, it can be recycled with your cardboard.  Similarly, if the bottom is greasy, one could rip the box apart at the hinge, throw the greasy bottom section in the garbage, and recycle the clean lid.

10. What should I do with plastic bags?

Some area supermarkets continue to accept clean plastic bags; however, please check with your supermarket first.

11. What kinds of plastics can I put in the recycling barrel?

Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and dairy tubs only.

12. How do I dispose of plastic food trays, buckets, produce, deli, and bakery containers, drinking cups, plates and utensils, bags, wrap, and styrofoam?

Most of these items are not accepted in Ridgewood's recycling program. Please put them in the garbage.
Exceptions:
- Some area supermarkets continue to accept clean plastic bags; however, please check with your supermarket first.
- Solid, white, foam packaging may be delivered to the recycling center. It should be clean and all tape and labels should be removed.

13. My recycling barrel is overflowing. What should I do with the excess?

Cans and bottles must be in your beige Village of Ridgewood recycling barrel; therefore, excess recyclables should be delivered to the Ridgewood Recycling Center. If this scenario occurs often, you may consider purchasing a second recycling rollout cart for $50.00.

14. My recycling barrel is cracked/broken. May I obtain a replacement?

A new barrel may be purchased at the recycling center; however if you simply need replacement parts for your recycling rollout cart, please contact jluttrell@ridgewoodnj.net.

15. Where can I buy a lid and/or wheels for my recycling barrel?

These items for the OLD style barrel are available for purchase at the Ridgewood recycling center while supplies last. Lids cost $5.00 each and wheels cost $35.00 each. (Exact change, check, and credit cards accepted, but there is a 3% charge to use a credit card.)  The Recycling Division does not accept responsibility for any damage, theft, or loss to these items.

Please note that the NEW Recycling Rollout Cart comes with attached lid and wheels. The cost is $50.00 each. 

16. The recycling employees mix the paper together at the curbside. Do I still have to separate my paper?

You can mix your paper together at the curbside only. Papers must still be separated at the recycling center. 



17. How do I dispose of ...

This link will take you to the webpage with recycling disposal information for items that we don't get rid of often.

18. Where can I find information on Backyard Composting?

Visit our Education Section

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1. What is a Village “Shade Tree”?

A Village shade tree is a tree that belongs to the Village and is planted in the right-of-way of a Village street. This may include the median between the street and the sidewalk, but can also include trees planted where no sidewalk exists or on the property owner’s side of the sidewalk. The width of the right-of-way can vary from street to street. It is measured from the center of the street to the property owner’s land. The distance can vary from 10 to 15 feet depending on the location. (Check the Village tax map for specific locations.)

Village Shade trees are the responsibility of the Village and cannot be removed or pruned without Village permission. Visit the Arbor Day Foundation.

2. Why Are Shade Trees Important?

Shade trees:

• Provide shade to cool homes, streets and, in fact, the entire Village.
• Reduce the need for air conditioning and its impact on the environment.
• Clean air and reduce ozone and C02 levels.
• Generate oxygen for fresher, healthier air.
• Reduce rainwater run-off and erosion and stream pollution.
• Provide habit for wildlife.
• Increase the beauty of the Village.
• Increase property values and the sense of Village commitment to the community.

3. How to Obtain a Replacement Tree?

Download the Adopt-a-Tree Application (PDF).

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1. What and when is Summer Day Camp?

Summer Day Camp is a six week outdoor recreational program for children entering grades 1-6 in the fall. It starts on Monday, June 23 and runs until Friday, August 1, 2025 from 9am-1:30pm.

2. When does camp registration open?

Registration opens on April 1^st at 8:30 am and is $725.00 per camper.

3. When does registration close?

Registration closes on April 30 or once the camp hits capacity, whichever comes first.

4. What happens once camp hits capacity?

Camp registration is open to 520 campers, 85 campers per each grade group. Once an age group(boys and girls) hits its 85 campers a wait list is enacted.  The first people to come off the wait list are campers that already have a sibling in camp so that families are not split, then after that as campers drop out of their age group the next person on that grade’s waiting list will be released.  If two siblings are on the waitlist they are both not guaranteed to come off the waitlist. 

5. How long will I be on the waitlist?

There is no way of knowing how long a camper will be on the wait list and if they will ever get off. Some years 10 campers may be released from the waitlist by 9:30 am on April 1st while others may have to wait 3 days and in some years the waitlist doesn’t progress at all. If your child is placed on the waitlist, you will receive a receipt stating you paid $0.00 and are on the waitlist.  Continue to check your inbox for emails from Community Pass stating you were released from the waitlist and instructions for logging in and completing payment. 

6. How much is summer camp?

The 2025 summer camp will be all inclusive (registration, 3 field trips, special events, and two t-shirts) and the fee is $725. There is no prorating for those who will missing weeks.

Each camper must pay an additional fee for a Graydon Pool membership. $121.00 if purchased between April 1 and 30th, and $135.00 if purchased May 1 or after.

Additional camp t-shirts will be available for purchase and cost $10 each. 

7. Is there bussing to and from camp? What if I can’t get there at the scheduled drop off/pick up?

There is no transportation for camp. For those who need to drop off their campers before 9am there is a before care program that starts at 8:00am. For those who cannot make it to pick up at 1:30pm there is an aftercare program that runs until 2:00pm.  These programs can be registered for individually or as a combo each week as needed. For those who will be enrolled in the 1:30pm swim lessons at Graydon, they will be picked up from camp by their swim instructors at 1:20pm and brought to Graydon where they will be dismissed at 2:30pm.

8. What if I need to drop off/pick up my camper during regular camp hours?

All campers who need to be dropped off/picked up on the middle of the camp day can do so in the camp office, which is located in the lower level of the Stable.  Please advise all parties involved (Camp Counselors, Grade Administrator, and/or Director or Assistant Director).

9. Community Pass is saying my child is ineligible for their grade, should I register them in the wrong grade or create a new account for them?

The best way to make sure that your camper does not get blocked from registering is to check the Community Pass account you are using at registration prior to March 28th to make sure that their age and grade is current (it should have their 2024-2025 grade level and the system will automatically enroll them in the correct group). While checking this information, you should make sure that all the emails associated with the account are current and you are subscribed to general and alert email blasts so you don’t miss any communication.  If any information is incorrect, please email or call the Recreation office recreation@ridgewoodnj.net 201-670-5560 to have the account updated. Do not create new accounts or re-add the child to your account as it creates conflicts within the system.

10. It started raining on the highway while I was out, can I stop at the Stable and pick up my camper?

Please don’t. There are a lot of campers and very little space and parking.  We have a dismissal procedure in the event of inclement weather that only works if everyone follows it.  In the event of rain, our staff is constantly monitoring the radar and will bring campers inside to wait for the storm to clear and for lightning alerts to sound the all clear. In the event that the storm is not passing and will affect the rest of the camp day, we will alert parents as to when and where to pick up their campers, reliving traffic congestion and confusion between pickup at the Stable or Community Center. It is always our intention to finish out the camp day in the most fun and safe way, please wait to be contacted for direction.

11. How do I get in contact with the Director and/or Assistant Director(s) of the day camp?

Please keep in mind that in the off season, all questions and requests regarding the Summer Day Camp are made through the Recreation office at recreation@ridgewoodnj.net, or 201-670-5560. Beginning in June, requests for the Director or Assistant Director(s) can be made by emailing daycamp@ridgewoodnj.net. 

12. Not all of my questions were answered, how can I find out more about counselors, injuries, discipline, field trips, and more?

There is a Summer Day Camp Parents Manual that is available on the Recreation webpage. It is also available as a link in your camp receipt, in an email blast to all registered campers and available in print at the Stable and during our Camp Open House slated for Wednesday, May 14th.  If the manual does not answer your questions, please contact the Recreation office Monday-Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm at 201-670-5560.