Showing ordinances that apply to Ramapo College of New Jersey, NJ
Ramapo College of New Jersey is an unincorporated community (population 2,200) in Bergen County, New Jersey. Because Ramapo College of New Jersey is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Bergen County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The artificial turf rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Bergen County generally permits artificial turf with local variations. Most Bergen towns allow synthetic lawns in backyards without restriction; some municipalities require permits for front yards or large installations. NJ has no statewide preemption. Heat island effects (up to 150°F+) and crumb rubber infill environmental concerns drive some local regulations. Stormwater runoff provisions apply under N.J.A.C. 7:8.
New Jersey has no statewide law specifically regulating artificial turf installation, leaving Bergen County's 70 municipalities to regulate under local zoning and land use codes. Most Bergen towns permit artificial turf in residential rear yards without permits. Front yard installations face more restrictions in some aesthetic-sensitive towns: Ridgewood Village Code §190-78 requires planning board review for front yard synthetic turf over 500 sq ft. Franklin Lakes Code §490-35 requires turf color and appearance to be compatible with surrounding natural landscaping. Paramus Code §429-86 requires proper base preparation with drainage below turf. Upper Saddle River Code §230-112 requires variance for front yard turf visible from public right-of-way. Hackensack, Fort Lee, and Englewood generally permit turf without specific restrictions. Stormwater concerns: Artificial turf is treated as impervious surface under N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.2 for projects over certain thresholds, affecting stormwater management calculations. Installation typically requires proper drainage substrate (crushed stone base, weed barrier) to prevent ponding. Heat concerns: synthetic turf can reach 150°F+ in direct summer sun, affecting pet safety and immediate air temperature; some Bergen HOAs restrict turf in front yards for aesthetic reasons. Crumb rubber infill environmental concerns have led some NJ schools and parks to move toward cork or coconut husk alternatives. HOA rules: Many Bergen HOAs restrict artificial turf (Alpine, Franklin Lakes, Upper Saddle River, Mahwah), but NJ has no specific turf protection law like California's. CC&R restrictions are generally enforceable. Grading changes to accommodate turf installation may trigger grading permits.
Front yard turf in restrictive towns without approval (Ridgewood, Franklin Lakes, Upper Saddle River): fines $100-$500 plus removal order. Stormwater violations from improper drainage: N.J.A.C. 7:8 enforcement. HOA fines for non-compliance: $50-$500 per month depending on CC&Rs. Grading change without permit: fines $500-$2,000 per N.J.A.C. 5:23.
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