Stormwater Management: Fair Lawn vs Hackensack
How do stormwater management rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Hackensack, NJ?
Fair Lawn and Hackensack have similar restriction levels.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Fair Lawn enforces a stormwater control ordinance regulating runoff, illicit connections, and post-construction stormwater management for development projects.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County operates an MS4 stormwater program under New Jersey's Municipal Stormwater General Permit. The county Soil Conservation District enforces erosion and stormwater controls for projects disturbing 5,000 square feet or more.
View full Hackensack rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Hackensack |
|---|---|---|
| Major Development | BMPs required | - |
| Illicit Connections | Prohibited | - |
| Maintenance Duty | Property owner | - |
| State Alignment | NJ MS4 program | - |
| Disturbance trigger | - | 5,000 square feet |
| Rule | - | N.J.A.C. 7:8 |
| Local certifier | - | Soil Conservation District |
| Green infrastructure | - | Required since 2021 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
What counts as an illicit stormwater discharge in Fair Lawn?
Any non-stormwater discharge into the storm sewer, such as wash water, paint, motor oil, sewage, or chemical waste, is illicit and prohibited under the ordinance.
Do I need a stormwater plan for my home construction?
Major development thresholds typically apply to larger projects. Smaller residential work still requires erosion control and proper handling of runoff during construction.
Hackensack FAQ
When do Bergen County stormwater rules apply to my project?
When you disturb 5,000+ square feet or create one acre of impervious surface. The Soil Conservation District must certify your stormwater plan before construction begins.
What is green infrastructure under NJ rules?
Green infrastructure includes pervious pavement, rain gardens, bioswales, and similar nature-based controls. NJ requires it for all new major developments since March 2021.
Compare other topics
See how Fair Lawn and Hackensack compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool