Short-term-rental rules
Can you Airbnb in Elmwood Park, NJ?
Researched and reviewed by Jake Lee, FounderCurrent as of July 2026How this atlas is maintained
Elmwood Park bans short-term rentals borough-wide: zoning section 34-7.1(a), added in March 2020 by Ordinance 20-06, makes it unlawful to rent, advertise, or allow occupancy of any dwelling unit for 28 days or less. Rentals of more than 28 days remain legal, so Airbnb-style stays under about a month are not permitted anywhere in the borough.
What the rules say in Elmwood Park
- No person may rent, lease, solicit, advertise for, offer, permit, or allow use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 28 days or less (Ch. 34, sec. 34-7.1a, added 3-19-2020 by Ord. No. 20-06).
- Rental and occupancy of a dwelling unit for more than 28 days remains lawful (same section).
- Zoning is permissive-only: uses not listed in the Chapter 34 use tables are prohibited (sec. 34-6.1), and short-term rental is not a listed residential use.
- Rooming, lodging, or boarding houses are allowed only as a conditional use in the C-L district (sec. 34-7.1 use table); hotels/motels/guest houses are separately regulated commercial lodging under Chapter 11, with licensing and guest ID/registration requirements.
Sources: Elmwood Park Code, Ch. 34 Art. VI Use Regulations (eCode360) - contains sec. 34-7.1(a) full text; Direct eCode360 anchor for sec. 34-7.1(a), the 28-day rental prohibition; Code of the Borough of Elmwood Park, NJ - table of contents (eCode360); Elmwood Park Code, Ch. 11 Housing - hotel/motel/guest house licensing and registration. Last reviewed 2026-07.
How short-term rentals are regulated in New Jersey
- New Jersey has no single statewide short-term-rental ban. Instead, each municipality sets its own rules through local ordinances, which is why neighboring Bergen towns can differ completely.
- Statewide, short-term rentals are generally subject to NJ Sales Tax and the State Occupancy Fee (and, in some areas, local taxes) on stays under 90 days, unless booked through certain channels that collect on the host's behalf.
- Common municipal controls include registration or permits, owner-occupancy requirements, minimum-stay rules, caps on rental nights, and zoning limits on which districts allow short-term use.
- Rules change. An ordinance can be added or amended at any time. Always confirm the current rule with the municipality before listing.
Elmwood Park short-term-rental FAQ
Can I run a short-term rental (Airbnb) in Elmwood Park, NJ?
Elmwood Park bans short-term rentals borough-wide: zoning section 34-7.1(a), added in March 2020 by Ordinance 20-06, makes it unlawful to rent, advertise, or allow occupancy of any dwelling unit for 28 days or less. Rentals of more than 28 days remain legal, so Airbnb-style stays under about a month are not permitted anywhere in the borough.
Do I need a permit or registration to run an STR in Elmwood Park?
No person may rent, lease, solicit, advertise for, offer, permit, or allow use or occupancy of any dwelling unit for a period of 28 days or less (Ch. 34, sec. 34-7.1a, added 3-19-2020 by Ord. No. 20-06).
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Elmwood Park, New Jersey?
Short-term stays in New Jersey are generally subject to NJ Sales Tax and the State Occupancy Fee (plus any local fees), unless collected for you by the booking platform. A tax professional can confirm what applies to your property.
Can Palisade Stays manage a short-term rental in Elmwood Park?
Short-term rentals face real limits in Elmwood Park (see the status above), so it may not be the right play. Palisade Stays can still help you understand what's possible for your property, including a compliant mid-term or longer rental, and run it if it's a fit. Start with a quick assessment.
Navigating Elmwood Park's rules?
We'll help you find out what's actually possible for your Elmwood Park property, short-term, mid-term, or otherwise, and run it if it's a fit.
Nearby Bergen towns