Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Chapter 28 governs excavation, grading, and drainage on private lots, requiring soil movement permits and Township Committee approval for off-site soil removal or sale.
View full Mahwah rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
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.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Chapter 28 Soil Management | - |
| Permit Section | Section 28-2.4 | - |
| Off-Site Removal | Township Committee approval | - |
| Review Factors | Erosion, drainage, slopes | - |
| Permit code | - | Chapter 246 |
| Exemption | - | Up to 100 cubic yards |
| Permit types | - | Ministerial, Minor, Major |
| Stagnant water | - | 7 days max |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mahwah FAQ
Do I need a Mahwah permit to regrade my yard?
Soil movement and grading on a residential lot generally require a Chapter 28 soil movement permit, especially when fill is imported or soil is hauled off site.
Can I sell soil from my Mahwah lot?
Only with prior Township Committee approval. Removing soil for sale or off-site use without approval is prohibited under Chapter 28.
Ridgewood FAQ
When does a Ridgewood homeowner need a Soil Movement Permit?
When relocating, importing, or removing more than 100 cubic yards of soil, or doing soil work outside an active building permit's scope.
What grading standard applies after construction in Ridgewood?
Lots must be graded so that water does not stagnate, defined as accumulation that has not dispersed within seven days of the last local rainfall.
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