Environmental Rules in Paterson, NJ (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Paterson requires green infrastructure and stormwater management measures for non-residential and larger residential major development projects, aimed at flood control, groundwater recharge and pollutant reduction.
Paterson Major Development Stormwater Rules
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 433-1
Flood control, groundwater recharge, and pollutant reduction shall be achieved through the use of stormwater management measures, including green infrastructure Best Management Practices (GI BMPs) and nonstructural stormwater management strategies. GI BMPs and low impact development (LID) should be utilized to meet the goal of maintaining natural hydrology to reduce stormwater runoff volume, re...
Erosion Control
Paterson's land subdivision ordinance requires soil erosion and sediment control review whenever a proposed subdivision disturbs more than 5,000 square feet, following state Soil Conservation Committee standards.
Paterson Subdivision Erosion Control Rule
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 297-17.B(7)
Soil erosion and sediment control if any part of the proposed subdivision involves land disturbances in excess of five thousand (5,000) square feet (according to Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey, New Jersey Soil Conservation Committee 1976, or any amendments thereto). (8) Stormwater easements or drainage and utility rights-of-way. (9) The overall effect of the...
Flood Zones
Any construction in Paterson's FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas needs a local development permit before work begins.
Paterson Floodplain Development Permit
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 219-6, § 219-7
This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey. § 219-7. Basis for establishing areas of special flood hazard. A. The areas of special flood hazard for the City of Paterson, Community No. 340404, are identified and defined on the following documents prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New residential construction in Paterson's flood-hazard zones must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation.
Paterson Base Flood Elevation Freeboard
Some RestrictionsPaterson City Code § 219-17(A)
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure located in an A, AE, AO or AH zone shall have the lowest floor, including basement together with the attendant utilities (including all electrical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other service equipment) and sanitary facilities, elevated at or above the more restrictive of the following: (1) For A or AE zon...
Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.
Environmental Rules in Passaic County →