Fort Lee vs Garfield
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Fort Lee and Garfield have similar restriction levels.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Rainwater harvesting is legal throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. There is no state or county prohibition on residential rain barrels. NJDEP encourages capture as a stormwater best management practice under NJAC 7:8.
View full Fort Lee rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Rainwater harvesting is legal throughout Bergen County and New Jersey. There is no state or county prohibition on residential rain barrels. NJDEP encourages capture as a stormwater best management practice under NJAC 7:8.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| Rain barrels | Legal statewide | Legal statewide |
| State guidance | NJAC 7:8 stormwater rules | NJAC 7:8 stormwater rules |
| Plumbing rule | NJAC 5:23-3.15 cross-connection | NJAC 5:23-3.15 cross-connection |
| County permit | Not required for barrels | Not required for barrels |
| Encouraged BMP | Yes by NJDEP | Yes by NJDEP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
Can I install a rain barrel in Bergen County?
Yes. New Jersey and Bergen County both allow residential rain barrels without permits. NJDEP encourages rainwater harvesting as a stormwater best management practice under its NJAC 7:8 rules.
Are there limits on cistern size?
Simple residential rain barrels have no size cap, but cisterns connected to indoor plumbing must follow the NJ Plumbing Code at NJAC 5:23-3.15, which requires backflow protection to prevent cross-connection with potable water.
Garfield FAQ
Can I install a rain barrel in Bergen County?
Yes. New Jersey and Bergen County both allow residential rain barrels without permits. NJDEP encourages rainwater harvesting as a stormwater best management practice under its NJAC 7:8 rules.
Are there limits on cistern size?
Simple residential rain barrels have no size cap, but cisterns connected to indoor plumbing must follow the NJ Plumbing Code at NJAC 5:23-3.15, which requires backflow protection to prevent cross-connection with potable water.
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