Freehold, NJ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Stormwater regulation in Monmouth County operates at three levels. (1) State: NJ Stormwater Management Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:8-1 et seq.) require post-construction stormwater controls for major development — triggered by 1 acre of disturbance or 0.25 acre of new impervious cover. The 2020 rule update prioritizes green infrastructure (bioretention, permeable pavers, subsurface infiltration) over traditional detention basins. NJ Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) MS4 permits require each Monmouth municipality to implement stormwater management programs, public education, ordinance enforcement, illicit discharge detection, and maintenance of municipal stormwater infrastructure. (2) County: Monmouth County Planning Board reviews development affecting county roads and drainage; Monmouth County Mosquito Control inspects stormwater basins for mosquito breeding. (3) Municipal: each Monmouth town has adopted state-model stormwater ordinances. Coastal municipalities (Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Point Pleasant Beach) face additional NJDEP scrutiny because runoff affects beach water quality and bay ecosystems. Stormwater facility maintenance is ongoing property owner responsibility — annual inspections often required. Illicit discharges (paint, car washing runoff to drains, dumped chemicals) are prohibited and enforced.