Passaic, NJ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Readopted
- 11-10-2022, Ord. No. 2368-22
- Applies to
- major nonresidential & qualifying residential development
- First-offense fine
- up to $500/day
- Repeat-offense fine
- up to $1,000/day + possible jail
- Design basis
- green infrastructure & low-impact development
- Enforced by
- City Engineer, Police, DPW, Code Enforcement
Summary
Passaic's Chapter 258A regulates stormwater from "major development", nonresidential projects and the aspects of larger residential projects not already governed by state site-improvement standards, requiring green infrastructure and low-impact design to control flooding, groundwater recharge and pollution. The City Engineer, Police, Public Works and Code Enforcement enforce it, with fines up to $500 per day for a first offense and $1,000 per day plus possible jail for repeat violations.
B. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for "major development," as defined below in § 258A-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 City of Passaic.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 258A, readopted 11-10-2022 by Ord. No. C. 5:21, and any major development the city itself undertakes. C. 2. § 258A-13 assigns enforcement to the Police Department, City Engineer, Department of Public Works and Code Enforcement. Where this chapter's standards are more restrictive than another applicable ordinance or rule, § 258A-1D makes the more restrictive standard control.
Violations & Fines
§ 258A-12 sets a fine of up to $500 per day for a first offense and up to $1,000 per day, with the possibility of imprisonment, for a second or subsequent offense by anyone who erects, constructs, alters, repairs, converts, maintains or uses a building, structure or land in violation of the chapter. The Police Department, City Engineer, Public Works and Code Enforcement enforce it under § 258A-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Passaic's stormwater ordinance apply to a small home renovation?
What design approach does Passaic require for stormwater on major projects?
What are the penalties for violating Passaic's stormwater ordinance?
Who enforces Chapter 258A in Passaic?
Sources & Official References
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle stormwater management.