Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🌍 Environmental Rules/Stormwater Management

Mahwah vs Ridgewood

How do stormwater management rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?

Ridgewood has fewer restrictions than Mahwah.

Mahwah, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

Mahwah Chapter 29 sets minimum stormwater controls for major development, requiring green infrastructure, low impact development, and groundwater recharge in line with NJDEP standards.

View full Mahwah rules →

Ridgewood, NJ

Bergen County

Some Restrictions

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

FactMahwahRidgewood
Code ReferenceChapter 29 Stormwater-
AmendedOctober 27, 2022-
Ordinance No.1992-
Applies ToMajor development-
Current ordinance-No. 4006 (2024)
Reviewing department-Engineering Division
Plan basis-NJDEP regulations
MS4 permit-Yes, NJDEP-issued

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Mahwah FAQ

When does Mahwah's stormwater ordinance apply?

Chapter 29 applies to major development as defined in N.J.A.C. 7:8, including Township projects, and sets minimum standards for runoff, recharge, and water quality.

Must I use green infrastructure?

Yes. The ordinance requires green infrastructure best management practices and low impact development to maintain natural hydrology where feasible.

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.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool