Lakewood, NJ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Township of Lakewood Code Chapter 30 runs the township's own soil erosion and sediment control program through the Department of Code Enforcement and Zoning rather than the state directly. 1 bars any land disturbance in the township until the applicant files a soil erosion and sediment control plan with the Department Head of Code Enforcement and Zoning and receives a land disturbance permit; the applicant may consult the Ocean County Soil Conservation District when choosing control measures. 3 gives the township 30 days to review a complete application, extendable another 30 days by written agreement, and treats a missed deadline as automatic certification.

1 lists the design principles a plan must satisfy: minimizing soil exposure and its duration, retaining natural vegetation where feasible, using temporary seeding or mulching on exposed critical areas, accommodating increased runoff, and installing sediment basins and diversions before any grading starts. 3 requires a maintenance bond covering the work for one year after completion or until the Soil Specialist certifies the measures are permanently stabilized. 4 sets the fee at $100 for the first acre or part of an acre and $15 for each additional acre.

Section 30-7 exempts land disturbance tied to existing one- and two-family dwellings, home gardening for personal consumption, and agricultural use under an approved farm conservation plan. 7 until the Soil Specialist confirms compliance, and a copy of that report goes to the Ocean County Soil Conservation District.