Hackensack vs Ridgewood
How do stormwater management rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood has fewer restrictions than Hackensack.
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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood enforces a local Stormwater Management ordinance updated by Ordinance 4006 in 2024, regulating runoff, water quality, and major development projects.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Disturbance trigger | 5,000 square feet | - |
| Rule | N.J.A.C. 7:8 | - |
| Local certifier | Soil Conservation District | - |
| Green infrastructure | Required since 2021 | - |
| Current ordinance | - | No. 4006 (2024) |
| Reviewing department | - | Engineering Division |
| Plan basis | - | NJDEP regulations |
| MS4 permit | - | Yes, NJDEP-issued |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Ridgewood FAQ
Does Ridgewood require a stormwater plan for residential additions?
Major development thresholds trigger a stormwater plan; smaller residential work is reviewed via the site grading and stormwater control plan permit through Engineering.
Where can I view Ridgewood's Stormwater Management Plan?
The Village posts the Stormwater Management Plan and related documents on its Stormwater Protection page at ridgewoodnj.net.
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