Block Party
Discarding Worn American Flags
Existing Alarm Systems
For Sale Signs
Garage Sales
Rules for Grand Openings
Sunday Shopping Rules (Blue Laws)
Tree Removal
Why Raffles are Prohibited in Wyckoff
Q: I recently opened a business in Wyckoff and I would like to know the rules for grand openings.
A: The Code of the Township of Wyckoff which includes all the rules and regulations a business owner should be familiar with is available for review in the Reference Section of the Wyckoff Public Library located at 200 Woodland Avenue. A copy is also available for review in the public information display at the Building Department in the lower level of Town Hall and copies may be purchased from the Municipal Clerk on the first floor of Town Hall.
The Township prepared a pamphlet entitled, "How to do Business in Wyckoff and with Wyckoff" which summarizes some of the key ordinance requirements for businesses. The pamphlet includes - grand openings, Sunday sales prohibition, Certificate of Occupancy permits, the prohibition of neon signs, Board of Health requirements, fire inspections, crime prevention techniques and how the Recycling Center and Library may help businesses.
This pamphlet is available in the public information bookcase on the first floor of Town Hall next to the Municipal Clerk's office and in the lower level of Town Hall in the public information display in the Building Department.
Q: Why is Sunday shopping prohibited in Wyckoff and throughout Bergen County?
A: The Sunday shopping prohibition is not a complete shopping ban. Also known as the Blue Laws (originally written on blue paper - hence the name) NJSA 2A:171-5.8 prohibits the sale on Sunday of clothing or wearing apparel, building and lumber supply materials, furniture, home, business or office furnishings, household, business or office appliance. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutionality of Sunday sales prohibitions in 1961.
Chapter 104 of the Code of the Township of Wyckoff enumerates the exceptions to the Sunday sales prohibition. It lists the following as acceptable for sale on Sunday.
• The preparation for sale of drugs, meals, prepared food, agricultural and horticultural products (not including any hardware or equipment), non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
• The sale and delivery of milk products.
• The printing, publication, sale and delivery of newspapers.
• The pursuit of horticulture not for hire or recompense.
• Recreational activities.
• Sale of gasoline, oil and emergency repairs in connection with motor vehicles.
• Sale of personal hygiene products; stationery supplies; greeting cards; film and camera supplies; flashlights and supplies; first aid products; infant care products; health and beauty aids; candy and confectionery items; magazines, books and publications; florist and floral supplies.
• The sale, offering for sale and showing of real estate.
In 1980 Bergen County voters turned down a referendum to abolish the Sunday shopping prohibition. Most recently in November 1993, a county wide referendum to abolish the Sunday sales prohibition was defeated by a vote of 2 to 1 of all Bergen County voters. In Wyckoff the referendum was defeated by a slightly higher vote.
Q: Can I conduct a raffle as a fundraiser in Wyckoff?
A: No, games of chance (raffles, Casino Nights, 50/50's non- traditional auctions and bingo) are prohibited in Wyckoff.
In 1953, NJSA 5:8-50 et seq was adopted which legalized games of chance in New Jersey for bona fide charities. In 1954 all municipalities in New Jersey placed the "Bingo & Raffle" questions on referendum for voters to decide whether to legalize bingo or raffles or both. Wyckoff residents voted not to adopt the referendum. Therefore, all games of chance are prohibited in Wyckoff. This ban remains in approximately thirty-three towns in New Jersey.
Q: I would like to have a garage sale. Is a permit required and/or are there any restrictions?
A: A permit is not needed in order to hold a garage sale. However, certain regulations do apply.
Notices: Local ordinances prohibit the placement or distribution of handbills in public places or on vehicles. No notices, posters or other devices, designed to attract attention may be affixed to lamp posts, public utility poles, shade trees or on any public structure or building except as authorized by the owners.
Garage Sales are only permissible for the sale of personal household items. Zoning laws prohibit garage sales to be conducted as a business.
Q: I purchased a home in Wyckoff that has an existing alarm system. Do I need to re-register it?
A: Yes. All alarm systems must be registered with the Police Department. As a new owner, you are required to complete an application which is available at Police Headquarters or the application can be printed from our website at the E-Forms link. Your application provides important information, including emergency contact telephone numbers which the Police Department would need during an emergency while you are away from home.
Q: I would like to have a block party. What is required by the Township?
A: Anyone interested in having a block party should send a written request to the Chief of Police or complete an online block party application at the E-Forms link. Each request will be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Officer. You will be contacted to discuss the specific details of the request and to review safety concerns and requirements. Once this process is completed, the Chief of Police will make a recommendation to the Township Committee who will have to approve a road closing. Requests should be made at least a month in advance of the actual date of the block party in order to complete the required process.
Q: I am planning on selling my home, can my realtor place For Sale signs on my lawn and at the intersection of my road and intersecting roads?
A: Your realtor should visit the Construction Department in Town Hall and obtain an Application For a Temporary Real Estate Permit. This application, when completed and approved allows for one (1) real estate For Sale/For Rent sign per property. This permit is valid only when the realtor/applicant is compliant with the following regulations, as permitted by Township Ordinance #809:
Type of Sign: One (1) Non-Illuminated Real Estate For Sale/For Rent Sign
Size of Sign: Not to exceed four (4) square feet
Location of Sign: Set back ten (10) feet from edge of pavement or curb on property which is for sale only.
Permit Valid For: From application approval to seven (7) days after reaching an agreement to sell or lease.
This permit is valid for this property only and it is not transferable to another property.
Pursuant to the Code of the Township of Wyckoff, #186-28, SIGNS, off premise real estate For Sale signs are prohibited. The real estate sign is only permitted on the property For Sale or For Rent.
Q: Do I need a permit to remove trees from my property?
A: The Township of Wyckoff does not have an ordinance regulating the removal of trees from private property. Therefore, no permits are issued for tree removal on property. However, trees on the Township's right-of-way, must be inspected by a Wyckoff Shade Tree Commissioner who will grant permission for tree removal after a Hold Harmless form is signed by the property owner. The right-of-way is indicated on the Township's Tax Map and is a measurement taken from the center line of the road in towards your property. If you would like to request a Shade Tree Commissioner to inspect your right-of-way, call Town Hall at 201-891-7000 during regular business hours from 9 am to 4:30 pm and ask to speak with Elaine.
Q: Is there anywhere in Wyckoff to drop off an old or worn American flag?
A: The citizens of Wyckoff now have a flag drop available to properly retire United States flags. If you have a flag that is faded, tattered, torn or generally unfit to represent the honor of America, you may place it in the flagdrop located on the property of VanderPlaat’s Funeral Home at 257 Godwin Avenue. It is the Eagle Scout project of one of our young townspeople George Ahlmeyer who converted and restored an old US postal mail box in April, 2005. Boy Scout Troop 77 will see that the flags are retired properly.