Environmental Rules in Englewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Englewood or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Englewood has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Flood Zones

Englewood Chapter 222 prohibits construction or alteration in special flood hazard areas without compliance, and requires substantial damage records reported to NJDEP.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 222. Required determination: Substantial damage letter. State notification: NJDEP Flood Control. Scope: Special flood hazard areas. Activities covered: Build relocate alter convert.

Building or altering structures in flood hazard areas without compliance can trigger stop-work orders, mandatory removal or modification, daily fines, and federal flood insurance consequences.

Compared to other cities, Englewood takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Grading & Drainage

Englewood combines Chapter 358 soil disturbance controls with Chapter 370 surface drainage rules to govern grading, regrading, and on-site drainage during development.

Key details: Erosion authority: Chapter 358. Drainage authority: Chapter 370. CO condition: Engineer compliance certification. Stream setback: Restricted near drainage ROW. Permit fee start: $100 first 50 cy.

Unpermitted grading or improper drainage can trigger stop-work orders, refusal of certificates of occupancy, daily fines, and required restoration of impacted properties or watercourses.

Erosion Control

Englewood's Chapter 358 controls soil erosion, sedimentation, and soil removal during development through plan certification, permit fees, and a certificate of occupancy condition.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 358. Base permit fee: $100 first 50 cy. Tiered fee: $100 per 50 cy added. CO condition: Engineer certification required. Authority: City Engineer.

Work without a certified plan or permit can trigger stop-work orders, refusal of the certificate of occupancy, summonses, and statutory penalties under the state act.

Stormwater Management

Englewood enforces Chapter 374 stormwater management and Chapter 370 surface drainage rules to protect property and water quality from regulated development activities.

Key details: Stormwater chapter: Chapter 374. Surface drainage: Chapter 370. Adopted: Ord. 00-14, 2000. Reviewing official: City Engineer. Inlet retrofits: Chapter 384 required.

Violators face stop-work orders, denial of certificates of occupancy, mandatory corrective work, and daily fines under the city's general penalty provisions.

The Bottom Line

Englewood's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Englewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Englewood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.