Bergenfield's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Bergenfield, New Jersey, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Flood Zones

Bergenfield regulates construction in special flood hazard areas through Chapter 161, requiring elevation of new and substantially improved structures above the base flood elevation plus one foot.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 161. FIRM Panels: 34003C0184H, 0192H, 0211H. Freeboard: Base flood elevation plus 1 foot. Adopted: May 17, 1988.

Building or substantially improving a structure in a special flood hazard area without a floodplain development permit, or below the required elevation, can result in stop-work orders, mandatory elevation or removal, fines, and loss of NFIP flood insurance eligibility.

This is one of the stricter rules in Bergenfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Grading & Drainage

Bergenfield requires all premises to be graded and maintained to prevent soil erosion and the accumulation of stagnant water, under property maintenance code section 302.2 adopted by Ordinance 05-2360.

Key details: Code Section: Property Maintenance 302.2. Ordinance: 05-2360. Requires: Grading to prevent erosion. Prohibits: Stagnant water accumulation.

Permitting soil erosion, ponded stagnant water, or unmaintained drainage on a property may result in property maintenance citations, abatement orders, and fines under the borough's code enforcement authority.

Stormwater Management

Bergenfield's Chapter 268 sets minimum stormwater management requirements for major development, requiring green infrastructure best management practices and nonstructural strategies to maintain natural hydrology.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 268. Adopted: December 3, 2024. Ordinance: No. 24-2634. Applies To: Major development projects.

Performing major development without an approved stormwater management plan, failing to install or maintain required green infrastructure BMPs, or omitting required deed notices may result in stop-work orders, fines, and corrective remediation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bergenfield actively enforces its stormwater management requirements.

The Bottom Line

Bergenfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bergenfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Bergenfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.