Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Hewitt, New Jersey under West Milford Township regulations. As Hewitt is an unincorporated area within West Milford Township (Passaic County), all STR activities are governed by Township Ordinance § 285-13 and associated regulations.

1. Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Hewitt

1. Secure Zoning Compliance: Verify your property meets Land Use Regulations requirements.
2. Obtain Permits:
   • Zoning Permit (separate application required)
   • Fire Alarm Certification
   • Short-Term Rental Permit from Township Clerk's Office
3. Submit Application: Complete STR permit application to Township Clerk with required fees.
4. Meet Safety Requirements: Install smoke/CO alarms and fire extinguishers.
5. Maintain Insurance: Carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance naming Township as additional insured.
6. Annual Renewal: Renew permit annually on original issuance anniversary.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

Mandatory Application Components:

• Owner's driver's license for identity verification
• STR Property Agent/Responsible Party contact details
• Condominium/Lake Association approval (if applicable)
• Zoning Compliance Certificate
• Fire Safety Certification
• Proof of $1M liability insurance
• Tax compliance certification
• Parking availability documentation
• Community association approvals

Core Permits:

1. Zoning Permit (pre-STR application requirement)
2. Fire Alarm Certification
3. STR Permit ($750/year as of Aug 1, 2024)

State Requirements:

• NJ Sales Tax (6.625%)
• Hotel Occupancy Fee (5%) - Exempt if renting <14 days/year

3. Specific Regulations (West Milford Township - Applicable to Hewitt)

Occupancy Limits:

• Non-owner-occupied STRs: Maximum 1 family or 2 unrelated individuals
• Only 1 STR unit per multifamily dwelling

Property Eligibility:

• Condominiums (with association approval)
• Lake Association properties (with certification)
• Single-family residences
• Excludes: Hotels, B&Bs, rooming houses, institutional housing

Operational Requirements:

• Permit number must appear in all advertisements
• 24/7 availability of owner/agent/responsible party for complaints
• Site inspections at rental start/end (if not owner-occupied)
• Compliance with noise/nuisance ordinances
• No signage identifying STR property

Annual Caps:

• Maximum 180 rental days/year
• No single rental >30 consecutive days

Enforcement Triggers:

• 2+ substantiated complaints/year → Permit revocation
• 3+ parking violation complaints/year → Permit revocation

4. Local Authority Contacts

West Milford Township Clerk's Office

• Address: 1480 Union Valley Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480
• Phone: (973) 728-2725
• Website: westmilford.org (STR permit section)

Key Departments:

• Planning/Building Department: (973) 728-2763
• Code Enforcement: (973) 728-2793
• Fire Prevention: (973) 728-2801

5. Source Documentation

1. West Milford STR Permit Application Requirements
   (Application procedures and prerequisites)

2. West Milford Ordinance 2024-025 (STR Fee Amendment)
   (Updated permit fees effective August 1, 2024)

3. Full STR Regulations: Township Code § 285-13
   (Comprehensive regulatory framework)

Key Notes for Investors

• Permit Fee: $750/year (up from $500 prior to Aug 1, 2024)
• Tenant Subleasing: Explicitly prohibited by Township code
• Responsible Party: Must be NJ resident to accept service of process
• Transferability: Permits non-transferable upon property sale or ownership change

Disclaimer: Always verify current regulations at westmilford.org before initiating operations.