Stafford Township, NJ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Stafford's erosion rules sit in Chapter 178, the Stafford Township Soil Erosion Ordinance (§ 178-1). Section 178-2 states the purpose of controlling soil erosion and sediment damage by requiring adequate provisions to prevent erosion and protect exposed soil surfaces, and directs that the Ocean County Soil Conservation District implement the chapter on behalf of the Township.

Section 178-5A bars disturbing any site until an application for certification of a soil erosion and sediment control plan has been submitted to the District and certified by it, except as exempted. Section 178-5C limits the application process to new construction of a primary structure, so an accessory structure or incidental use does not need it. The District must review within 30 days of a complete application, extendable by 30 days by written mutual agreement, and failure to decide in that time counts as certification (§ 178-5B). Its written notice says the plan was certified, certified with conditions, or denied with reasons, and a major revision counts as a new submission (§ 178-6). Fees follow the District's schedule (§ 178-9).

A plan under § 178-7 describes existing natural and man-made features including topography, soil characteristics and wetlands, the proposed changes, measures that meet or exceed the State Soil Conservation Committee standards, a schedule with starting and completion dates, and a map of existing and proposed contours. Section 178-8 sets field standards for any land disturbance: keep natural vegetation where feasible, keep the disturbed area and its exposure time within narrow limits, use temporary seeding, mulching or other stabilization on exposed critical areas, retain sediment on site to the maximum extent feasible, and install diversions and sediment basins before any on-site grading.

Exemptions in § 178-11 include home gardening, farming under an approved farm conservation plan, disturbance exceeding 5,000 square feet where the District has jurisdiction, clearing on a lot with an existing dwelling, and work permitted under Chapter 181. In the Pinelands, § 178-13 makes the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan prevail over any conflicting provision.