Bergen County is not regulated under New Jersey's Coastal Area Facility Review Act, but Hudson River and Hackensack River waterfront projects may require Waterfront Development Permits and tidal wetlands approvals from NJDEP.
Bergen County lies outside the CAFRA coastal zone but contains significant tidal waterways including the Hudson River, Hackensack River, and Overpeck Creek. Development along these tidal waters requires a Waterfront Development Permit under N.J.S.A. 12:5-3 administered by NJDEP's Division of Land Resource Protection. Tidal wetlands are regulated under N.J.S.A. 13:9A. The Hackensack Meadowlands District, overseen by the NJ Sports and Exposition Authority, governs development in portions of southern Bergen County. Riparian rights and tidelands grants from the State Tidelands Council may also be required for in-water structures.
Unauthorized waterfront development may incur NJDEP fines up to $25,000 per day and mandatory removal orders.
See how Ridgewood's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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