How Hackensack Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide

Hackensack maintains 59 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Hackensack falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Grading & Drainage

Hackensack regulates grading and drainage to prevent flooding, erosion, and impacts on neighboring properties. Significant earthwork or drainage modifications require engineering review and a grading permit through the Building Department.

Key details: Grading Permit: Required for major work. Engineering Review: City Engineer. Off-Site Runoff: Prohibited. CO Certification: May be required.

Improper grading violations result in stop-work orders, civil penalties up to $2,000 per day, and mandatory regrading at owner expense to restore proper drainage.

Flood Zones

Hackensack regulates development in flood hazard areas under Chapter 89 of the City Code, originally adopted December 6, 1982 and amended in its entirety on August 20, 2019. The chapter implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50 et seq. / N.J.A.C. 7:13), and Uniform Construction Code flood provisions for properties along the Hackensack River and adjacent areas.

Key details: Local Ordinance: Hackensack Code Ch. 89 (adopted 12/6/1982; amended 8/20/2019). State Law: Flood Hazard Area Control Act, N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50. State Rules: N.J.A.C. 7:13 (NJDEP). Federal Program: NFIP / FEMA FIRMs. Cumulative Rise Limit: 0.2 ft above base flood (no designated floodway).

Construction or filling in a Special Flood Hazard Area without a Chapter 89 floodplain development permit, or in violation of the elevation, anchoring, or 0.2-foot rise standards, is a violation of the City Code. The municipality may issue stop-work orders, require corrective action, and impose fines. Separate state penalties apply under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act and N.J.A.C. 7:13. Noncompliance can also affect the property's eligibility for federal flood insurance.

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

The Bottom Line

Hackensack'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 Hackensack is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Hackensack's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.