5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Union County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Union County is under NJ DEP Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits. Major development (1+ acre disturbance, 0.25+ acre impervious, or 1,000 sq ft new impervious) requires stormwater management plan under N.J.A.C. 7:8. Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, and other municipalities implement MS4 ordinances. Rahway River and Elizabeth River watersheds face heightened requirements. Union County Engineering supports county roads. Green infrastructure (rain gardens, bioswales) encouraged. Pet waste and grass clipping provisions standard.
Union County Soil Conservation District enforces NJ Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.) for projects disturbing 5,000+ sq ft. Certified Plans required; District inspects. Silt fence, stabilized entrance, erosion blankets standard. Elizabeth, Linden, and Plainfield active enforcement. Additional MS4 requirements for 1+ acre. Rahway River and Elizabeth River watershed sites face heightened review. Unlawful discharge to waterways triggers NJ DEP enforcement under Water Pollution Control Act.
Union County shoreline along Arthur Kill, Newark Bay, and lower Elizabeth River falls under NJ Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA, N.J.S.A. 13:19-1) and Waterfront Development Act (N.J.S.A. 12:5-3). Elizabeth waterfront (Port, Elizabethport, Peterstown) requires NJ DEP Land Use approval. Linden Bayway and Carteret border shares similar requirements. Tidelands claims administered by NJ DEP. FEMA V-zones and A-zones require flood-resistant construction. Sea level rise overlay applies. Brownfields prevalent; ISRA compliance required for industrial sites.
Union County municipalities participate in FEMA's NFIP. NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.A.C. 7:13) regulates development in flood hazard areas. County manages mosquito control and drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk.
Union County municipalities regulate grading and drainage through building codes and engineering review. Elizabeth Chapter 15.04 requires grading permits for significant earthwork. Westfield §13.14 requires site plan review for grading. Drainage cannot be redirected to neighbors (common law + statute). Retaining walls over 4 feet need engineered plans. Soil compaction testing required for structural fill. NJ DEP Flood Hazard Area Rules apply in floodplains. Union County Engineering coordinates for county roads.
3 cities in Union County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Union County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Union County Ordinance Hub →