Ridgewood's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Ridgewood, New Jersey, there are 4 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.

Erosion Control

Ridgewood requires soil erosion and sediment controls for construction projects under Chapter 190, supplementing New Jersey's statewide Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act.

Key details: Code section: Chapter 190 Art. X 120A(2)b. State threshold: 5,000 sq ft disturbance. Reviewing body: Engineering Division. Soil district: Bergen County SCD.

Beginning earth disturbance without an approved erosion plan, failing to install or maintain silt fencing, or allowing sediment to discharge to streets or storm drains.

Grading & Drainage

Ridgewood requires a Soil Movement Permit and a Site Grading and Stormwater Control Plan permit for projects altering elevations or moving more than 100 cubic yards of soil.

Key details: Permit code: Chapter 246. Exemption: Up to 100 cubic yards. Permit types: Ministerial, Minor, Major. Stagnant water: 7 days max.

Moving over 100 cubic yards without a Soil Movement Permit, failing to submit grading plans with construction permits, or maintaining grades that pond stagnant water.

Flood Zones

Ridgewood adopted Chapter 154 Floodplain Management Regulations by Ordinance 3865 in 2021, governing development inside designated flood hazard areas.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 154. Adopting ordinance: No. 3865 (2021). CRS rating: Class 6. Administrator: Village Engineer.

Building in a flood hazard area without a floodplain development permit, finishing basements below required elevations, or filling a floodway without engineering review.

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

Stormwater Management

Ridgewood enforces a local Stormwater Management ordinance updated by Ordinance 4006 in 2024, regulating runoff, water quality, and major development projects.

Key details: Current ordinance: No. 4006 (2024). Reviewing department: Engineering Division. Plan basis: NJDEP regulations. MS4 permit: Yes, NJDEP-issued.

Disturbing land for major development without an approved stormwater plan, discharging pollutants to the storm system, or failing to install required green infrastructure controls.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

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