Trenton, NJ Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing local section
- Trenton Code § 254-3
- State standard incorporated
- N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.
- Implementing rules
- N.J.A.C. 2:90
- Applies to
- Both major and minor development
- Permit submission
- Site plan under § 254-10 / § 315-20.2
- Penalty for noncompliance
- Up to $1,000, then $100/day
Summary
Trenton ties erosion control for major and minor development to the state Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act (N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.) and N.J.A.C. 2:90, folding those minimum standards into Chapter 254's stormwater management review for every project subject to municipal approval.
Stormwater management measures for major development shall be designed to provide erosion control, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quantity control, and stormwater runoff quality treatment as follows: The minimum standards for erosion control are those established under the Soil and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., and implementing rules at N.J.A.C. 2:90. ... Stormwater management measures for minor development shall be designed to provide erosion control and stormwater runoff control, as follows: The minimum standards for erosion control are those established under the Soil and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., and implementing rules at N.J.A.C. 2:90.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4853025; v21 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
A. C. " Trenton does not write its own numeric erosion limits; it adopts the state act and its implementing rules as the floor for every development application. That requirement is carried into the permitting process at § 254-10, where the Site Development Stormwater Plan's environmental site analysis must identify areas particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss and address source controls like minimizing land disturbance, clearing, grading, and soil compaction, and must apply post-construction fertilizer only in accordance with the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act.
A. 4:24-39 as a required submission item for site plan and subdivision review. Chapter 254 itself defines EROSION as "the detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity," underscoring that construction-phase soil loss, not just post-development runoff volume, is squarely within the article's design and performance standards for both major and minor projects.
Violations & Fines
Erosion control is enforced as part of Chapter 254, Article I, so a project built or maintained without meeting the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act standards incorporated at § 254-3 is subject to the same penalties as any other stormwater violation under § 254-11.1: a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, 30 days to correct the deficiency, and a continuing fine of up to $100 per day for each day the site remains out of compliance after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Trenton have its own erosion control numbers?
What has to be submitted to show erosion control on a project?
Does erosion control apply to small residential projects?
What is the penalty for an uncontrolled erosion site in Trenton?
Sources & Official References
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