Linden, NJ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 26, Lot Grading Plans (Ord. No. 60-1, 60-30), exists "to provide against the adverse consequences of uncontrolled surface water drainage, prevent the increase in stormwater runoff from a site and to prevent soil erosion and control sediment deposition" tied to land-disturbing construction activity. A plan and construction/zoning permit are required before: erecting or adding to a structure not shown on an approved site plan; disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of land; placing more than ten cubic yards of fill; disturbing land near a critical area or within five feet of a property line in a way that affects drainage; or removing more than three trees.

The City Construction Official can waive the requirement for a single-family addition under 1,000 square feet of impervious coverage that does not touch drainage or critical areas. Once filed, the Zoning Officer checks the plan for zoning compliance and forwards it to the City Engineer, who will not approve it unless driveway grades stay at or under 15% (18% allowed for short unusual stretches), grade changes near property lines meet specific height and setback limits, retaining walls step back a foot from the property line for every six inches of height above six feet, and roof drainage from new structures or additions with more than 1,000 square feet of roof routes to dry wells or another approved infiltration facility sized for at least three inches of rainfall.

Where slopes steeper than 1-vertical-to-3-horizontal cannot be avoided, the applicant must submit soil stabilization, access, and maintenance provisions for the City Engineer's approval, and every project must independently be designed to the New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards. The City Engineer can also require temporary erosion-control measures during construction, and a certificate of occupancy cannot issue until the Engineer certifies the finished grading matches the approved plan.