Bloomfield, NJ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Bloomfield Township Code Chapter 494, Stormwater Control
- Trigger: land disturbance
- One or more acres since February 2, 2004
- Trigger: impervious surface
- 1/4 acre or more of regulated impervious surface
- Required method
- Green infrastructure for recharge, quality and quantity
- Plan submission
- 15 copies of the site development stormwater plan
- Repair notice period
- 14 days after written notice to the responsible person
Summary
Chapter 494 of the Bloomfield Township Code sets minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for major development in Bloomfield, New Jersey. It covers nonresidential major developments, the parts of residential major developments not preempted by the Residential Site Improvement Standards, and every major development the Township itself undertakes.
A. Policy statement. Flood control, groundwater recharge, and pollutant reduction shall be achieved through the use of stormwater management measures, including green infrastructure best management practices (GI BMPs) and nonstructural stormwater management strategies. ... B. Purpose. ... The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for "major development," as defined below in § 494-2. C. Applicability. (1) This chapter shall be applicable to the following major developments: (a) Nonresidential major developments; and (b) Aspects of residential major developments that are not preempted by the Residential Site Improvement Standards at N.J.A.C. 5:21. (2) This chapter shall also be applicable to all major developments undertaken by the Township of Bloomfield.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 494, Stormwater Control, was adopted by the Bloomfield Council 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 21-21 and amended 9-23-2024 by Ord. No. 24-46. Section 494-1 states the policy: flood control, groundwater recharge, and pollutant reduction are to be achieved through stormwater management measures, including green infrastructure best management practices and nonstructural strategies. The chapter applies to nonresidential major developments, to residential aspects not preempted by N.J.A.C. 5:21, and to all major developments undertaken by the Township. An application submitted before September 9, 2024 is held to the requirements in effect on September 8, 2024.
Section 494-2 defines major development as development that results in the disturbance of one or more acres of land since February 2, 2004, the creation of 1/4 acre or more of regulated impervious surface since February 2, 2004, the creation of 1/4 acre or more of regulated motor vehicle surface since March 2, 2021, or a combination of the impervious and motor vehicle surface that totals 1/4 acre or more. Under § 494-3, groundwater recharge, stormwater quality and runoff quantity standards must be met by incorporating green infrastructure. Section 494-4C exempts underground and aboveground utility lines and public pedestrian access of permeable material with a maximum width of 14 feet from the recharge, quality and quantity requirements.
Section 494-7 requires inlet grates with clear spaces of no more than seven square inches or no greater than 0.5 inch across the smallest dimension, and curb openings no greater than two inches. Section 494-8 requires trash racks with bars spaced no greater than six inches apart and safety ledges on basins with a permanent pool deeper than 2 1/2 feet. Section 494-9 requires the applicant to submit 15 copies of the site development stormwater plan checklist, reviewed by the municipal review engineer. Under § 494-10, the design engineer prepares a maintenance plan, and the Municipal Engineer approves repairs after written notice.
Violations & Fines
Under § 494-11, a person who erects, constructs, alters, repairs, converts, maintains, or uses any building, structure or land in violation of Chapter 494 is punished as provided in § 1-15, Violations and penalties, of the Township Code. A separate offense is committed each and every day the violation or noncompliance occurs or continues. Under § 494-10B(9), the Township can perform neglected repairs after a 14-day written notice, bill the responsible person, and place a lien on the property for nonpayment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bloomfield Township's stormwater ordinance apply to a single-family house?
What does Bloomfield require for storm drain grates?
Who maintains a stormwater basin after it is built?
What is the penalty for violating Chapter 494 in Bloomfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomfield
Compare Bloomfield to another location·View the New Jersey environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Essex County handle stormwater management.