Trenton, NJ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Trenton Code Ch. 254, Art. I
- Adopted
- August 1, 2024, Ord. No. 24-41
- Initial fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation
- Continuing fine
- Up to $100/day after 30 days
- Annual permit deadline
- June 30 (City Engineer)
- Minor development standard
- Retain first 1 inch of rain onsite
- Maintenance guarantee
- 2 years, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53
Summary
Trenton requires major and minor developments to control stormwater with green infrastructure, cap runoff, and recharge groundwater under Chapter 254. Owners of stormwater BMPs must get an annual City Engineer permit by June 30 and file yearly inspection reports.
The purpose of this article is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for "major development" and "minor development" as defined below in Section 254-2, and also to establish maintenance and repair requirements for existing Stormwater Management BMPs, as set forth in Section 254-11. The requirements of this article are intended not only to meet but also to exceed the design and performance standards found in the New Jersey Stormwater Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8... This article shall be applicable to the following major and minor developments: (a) Non-residential major and minor developments; and (b) Aspects of residential major and minor developments that are not pre-empted by the Residential Site Improvement Standards at N.J.A.C. 5:21.
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
Chapter 254, Article I, adopted August 1, 2024 by Ordinance No. C. 5:21). C. 7:8, using green infrastructure and low-impact development to cut runoff volume, encourage infiltration, and reduce pollution reaching the Delaware River and city inlets. C. 2(f). Applicants must submit a Site Development Stormwater Plan under § 254-10, including a topographic base map, environmental site analysis, land use/source control plan, hydrologic calculations, and a maintenance and repair plan, subject to a waiver from the reviewing board's engineer for information that is impossible to obtain.
Once built, the design engineer or property owner responsible for maintenance must obtain a stormwater maintenance permit from the City Engineer by June 30 of each year and submit an annual maintenance/inspection report and certification, plus keep a maintenance log covering sediment removal, embankment erosion, and vegetation. Facilities dedicated to and accepted by the City are maintained by the municipality instead. A. 40:55D-53 is required for all stormwater facilities built into a project.
Violations & Fines
Anyone who erects, alters, or maintains a building, structure, or land in violation of Chapter 254, Article I faces a fine of up to $1,000 per violation under § 254-11.1. The violator has 30 days from the date the violation is identified to fix it. If it is not corrected within 30 days, the fine escalates to up to $100 per day for every day the property stays out of compliance, including a missed June 30 stormwater maintenance permit or inspection report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces Trenton's stormwater rules?
What happens if I ignore a stormwater maintenance notice?
Does a small residential addition need a stormwater plan?
Who has to maintain a stormwater BMP after construction?
Sources & Official References
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