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Borough of Moonachie, NJ
Bergen County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Editor's Note: Prior ordinance history includes portions of Ordinance Nos. 82-6, 87-8, 91-1, 95-13 and prior 1970 Code §§ 20-1 — 20-5.
[Ord. #95-16, § 1.0]
The Legislature of the State of New Jersey has, in N.J.S.A. 40:48-1 et seq., delegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizenry. Therefore, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Moonachie, County of Bergen, State of New Jersey, does ordain as follows.
[Ord. #95-16, § 1.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
a. 
The flood hazard areas of the Borough of Moonachie are subject to periodic inundation which results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
b. 
These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of special flood hazard which increase flood heights and velocities and, when inadequately anchored, cause damage in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.
[Ord. #95-16, § 1.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions in specific areas, by provisions designed to:
a. 
Protect human life and health;
b. 
Minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood-control projects;
c. 
Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the general public;
d. 
Minimize prolonged business interruptions;
e. 
Minimize damage to public facilities and utilities, such as water and gas mains, electric, telephone and sewer lines, streets, and bridges, located in areas of special flood hazard;
f. 
Help maintain a stable tax base by providing for the sound use and development of areas of special flood hazard so as to minimize future flood blight areas;
g. 
Ensure that potential buyers are notified that property is in an area of special flood hazard; and
h. 
Ensure that those who occupy the areas of special flood hazard assume responsibility for their actions.
[Ord. #95-16, § 1.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
In order to accomplish its purposes, this chapter includes methods and provisions for:
a. 
Restricting or prohibiting uses which are dangerous to health, safety, and property due to water or erosion hazards, or which result in damaging increases in erosion or in flood heights or velocities;
b. 
Requiring that uses vulnerable to floods, including facilities which serve such uses, be protected against flood damage at the time of initial construction;
c. 
Controlling the alteration of natural floodplains, stream channels, and natural protective barriers, which help accommodate or channel floodwaters;
d. 
Controlling filling, grading, dredging, and other development which may increase flood damage; and
e. 
Preventing or regulating the construction of flood barriers which will unnaturally divert floodwaters or which may increase flood hazards in other areas.
[Ord. #95-16, § 2.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the meanings they have in common usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
AH ZONE
Areas subject to inundation by 1% annual chance shallow flooding (usually areas of ponding), where average depths are between one and three feet. Base flood elevations (BFEs) derived from detailed hydraulic analyses are shown in this zone.
AO ZONE
Areas subject to inundation by 1% annual chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain), where average depths are between one and three feet.
APPEAL
A request for a review of the Construction Official/Zoning Officer's interpretation of any provision of this chapter or a request for a variance.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING
A designated AO or AH zone on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map, with a 1% annual or greater chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet, where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on the FIRM as Zone V, VE, V1-30, A, AO, A1-A30, AE, A99, or AH.
BASE FLOOD
A flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)
The flood elevation shown on a published Flood Insurance Study (FIS), including the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). For Zones AE, AH, AO, and A1-30, the elevation represents the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For Zones VE and V1-30, the elevation represents the stillwater elevation (SWEL) plus wave effect (BFE = SWEL + wave effect) resulting from a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
BEST AVAILABLE FLOOD HAZARD DATA
The most-recent available flood risk guidance FEMA has provided. The best available flood hazard data may be depicted on, but not limited to, Advisory Flood Hazard Area Maps, Work Maps or Preliminary FIS and FIRM.
BEST AVAILABLE FLOOD HAZARD DATA ELEVATION
The most-recent available flood elevation FEMA has provided. The best available flood hazard data elevation may be depicted on an Advisory Flood Hazard Area Map, Work Map or Preliminary FIS and FIRM.
BREAKAWAY WALL
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended, through its design and construction, to collapse under specific lateral loading forces without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials located within the area of special flood hazard.
ELEVATED BUILDING
a. 
A nonbasement building:
1. 
Built, in the case of a building in an area of special flood hazard, to have the top of the elevated floor elevated above the base flood elevation plus freeboard by means of piling, columns (posts and piers), or shear walls parallel to the flow of the water; and
2. 
Adequately anchored so as not to impair the structural integrity of the building during a flood up to the magnitude of the base flood.
b. 
In an area of special flood hazard, "elevated building" also includes a building elevated by means of fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of floodwaters.
EROSION
The process of gradual wearing away of land masses.
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
The official report in which the Federal Insurance Administration has provided flood profiles, as well as the Flood Insurance Rate Map(s) and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOOD or FLOODING
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
a. 
The overflow of inland or tidal waters; and/or
b. 
The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (such as a floodplain ordinance, grading ordinance and erosion control ordinance) and other applications of police power. The term describes such state or local regulations, in any combination thereof, which provide standards for the purpose of flood damage prevention and reduction.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FREEBOARD
A factor of safety, usually expressed in feet above a flood level, for purposes of floodplain management. "Freeboard" tends to compensate for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface, prior to construction, next to the proposed or existing walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
a. 
Listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
b. 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
c. 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
d. 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:
1. 
By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or
2. 
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for the parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so to render the structure in violation of other applicable nonelevation design requirements of 44 CFR 60.3.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include a "recreational vehicle."
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK or MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of a floodplain regulation adopted by a community, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by the municipality.
PRELIMINARY FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (PRE-FIRM)
The draft version of the FIRM released for public comment before finalization and adoption.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
a. 
Built on a single chassis;
b. 
Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the longest horizontal projections;
c. 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and
d. 
Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
a. 
For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (P.L. No. 97-348), includes substantial improvements and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or footings, the installation of pilings, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation.
b. 
Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways, nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings or piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms, nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE
A walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, or a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its condition before damage would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
a. 
Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement officer and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or
b. 
Any alteration of an "historic structure," provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an "historic structure."
VARIANCE
A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter that permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.
VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with this chapter. A new or substantially improved structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in 44 CFR 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; ]8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3
This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of the Borough of Moonachie, County of Bergen, New Jersey.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; Ord. #2005-7; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
a. 
The areas of special flood hazard for the Borough of Moonachie, Community No. 340053, are identified and defined on the following documents prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
1. 
A scientific and engineering report "Flood Insurance Study, County of Bergen, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions)," dated September 30, 2005.
2. 
Flood Insurance Rate Map for Bergen County, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions), as shown on Index 34003CINDOB and Panels 34003C0256H and 34003C0258H, whose effective date is August 28, 2019.
3. 
Best available flood hazard data. These documents shall take precedence over effective panels and FIS in construction and development regulations only. Where the effective mapping or base flood elevation conflict or overlap with the best available flood hazard data, whichever imposes the more-stringent requirement shall prevail.
b. 
The above documents are hereby adopted and declared to be a part of this chapter. The Flood Insurance Study and maps are on file at Borough of Moonachie, 70 Moonachie Road, Moonachie, New Jersey.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, relocated to, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violation of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a misdemeanor. Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both, for each violation, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Construction Official of the Borough of Moonachie from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
This chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this chapter and another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction conflict or overlap, whichever imposes the more-stringent restrictions shall prevail.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
In the interpretation and application of this chapter, all provisions shall be:
a. 
Considered as minimum requirements;
b. 
Liberally construed in favor of the governing body; and
c. 
Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under state statutes.
[Ord. #95-16, § 3.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
a. 
The degree of flood protection required by this chapter is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on scientific and engineering considerations. Larger floods can and will occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes. This chapter does not imply that land outside the area of special flood hazard or uses permitted within such areas will be free from flooding or flood damages.
b. 
This chapter shall not create liability on the part of the Borough of Moonachie, any officer or employee thereof or the Federal Insurance Administration for any flood damages that result from reliance on this chapter or any administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
[Ord. #95-16, § 4.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins, including placement of manufactured homes, within any area of special flood hazard established in Subsection 19-3.2. Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the Borough Construction Official and may include, but not be limited to: plans, in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures; fill; storage of materials; drainage facilities; and the location of the foregoing. Specifically, the following information is required:
a. 
Elevation, in relation to mean sea level, of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;
b. 
Elevation, in relation to mean sea level, to which any structure has been floodproofed;
c. 
Certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing methods for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing criteria in Subsection 19-5.2b; and
d. 
Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
[Ord. #95-16, § 4.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
The Borough Construction Official is hereby appointed to administer and implement this chapter by granting or denying development permit applications in accordance with its provisions.
[Ord. #95-16, § 4.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
Duties of the Borough Construction Official shall include, but not be limited to:
a. 
Permit review:
1. 
Review all development permits to determine that the permit requirements of this chapter have been satisfied.
2. 
Review all development permits to determine that all necessary permits have been obtained from those federal, state or local governmental agencies from which prior approval is required.
b. 
Use of other base flood data. When base flood elevation data has not been provided in accordance with Subsection 19-3.2, Basis for Establishing Areas of Special Flood Hazard, the Borough Construction Official shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data available from a federal, state or other source in order to administer Subsection 19-5.2a, Specific Standards, Residential construction, and Subsection 19-5.2b, Specific Standards, Nonresidential construction.
c. 
Information to be obtained and maintained:
1. 
Obtain and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level) of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new or substantially improved structures, and whether or not the structure contains a basement.
2. 
For all new or substantially improved floodproofed structures:
(a) 
Verify and record the actual elevation (in relation to mean sea level); and
(b) 
Maintain the floodproofing certifications required in Subsection 19-4.1c.
3. 
Maintain for public inspection all records pertaining to the provisions of this chapter.
d. 
Alteration of watercourses:
1. 
Notify adjacent communities and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Flood Control, and the Land Use Regulation Program prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Insurance Administration.
2. 
Require that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so the flood-carrying capacity is not diminished.
e. 
Substantial damage review:
1. 
After an event resulting in building damages, assess the damage to structures due to flood and nonflood causes.
2. 
Record and maintain the flood and nonflood damage of substantial damage structures and provide a letter of substantial damage determination to the owner and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Flood Control.
3. 
Ensure substantial improvements meet the requirements of Subsections 19-5.2a, Specific Standards, Residential construction, 19-5.2b, Specific Standards, Nonresidential construction, and 19-5.2c, Specific Standards, Manufactured homes.
f. 
Interpretation of FIRM boundaries: make interpretations, where needed, as to the exact location of the boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions). The person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation as provided in Subsection 19-4.4.
[Ord. #95-16, § 4.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
a. 
Appeal board.
1. 
The Planning Board (Joint Land Use Board) as established by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Moonachie shall hear and decide appeals and requests for variances from the requirements of this chapter.
2. 
The Planning Board (Joint Land Use Board) shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision, or determination made by the Borough Construction Official/Zoning Official in the enforcement or administration of this chapter.
3. 
Those aggrieved by the decision of the Planning Board (Joint Land Use Board), or any taxpayer, may appeal such decision to the Superior Court, as provided in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-17.
4. 
In passing upon such applications, the Planning Board (Joint Land Use Board), shall consider all technical evaluations, all relevant factors, standards specified in other sections of this chapter, and:
(a) 
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands to the injury of others;
(b) 
The danger to life and property due to flooding or erosion damage;
(c) 
The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;
(d) 
The importance of the services provided by the proposed facility to the community;
(e) 
The necessity to the facility of a waterfront location, where applicable;
(f) 
The availability of alternative locations for the proposed use which are not subject to flooding or erosion damage;
(g) 
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and anticipated development;
(h) 
The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Plan and floodplain management program of that area;
(i) 
The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;
(j) 
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and sediment transport of the floodwaters and the effects of wave action, if applicable, expected at the site; and
(k) 
The costs of providing governmental services during and after flood conditions, including maintenance and repair of public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, and streets and bridges.
5. 
Upon consideration of the factors of Subsection 19-4.4a4 and the purposes of this chapter, the Planning Board (Joint Land use Board) may attach such conditions to the granting of variances as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this chapter.
6. 
The Borough Construction Official shall maintain the records of all appeal actions, including technical information, and report any variances to the Federal Insurance Administration upon request.
b. 
Conditions for variances.
1. 
Generally, variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of 1/2 acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level, provided that the items in Subsection a4(a) through (k) have been fully considered. As the lot size increases beyond the 1/2 acre, the technical justification required for issuing the variance increases.
2. 
Variances may be issued for the repair or rehabilitation of historic structures upon a determination that the proposed repair or rehabilitation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure and the variance is the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
3. 
Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
4. 
Variances shall only be issued upon:
(a) 
A showing of good and sufficient cause;
(b) 
A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant; and
(c) 
A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, or extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public as identified in Subsection 19-4.4a4, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
5. 
Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given written notice that the structure will be permitted to be built with a lowest floor elevation below the base flood elevation and that the cost of flood insurance will be commensurate with the increased risk resulting from the reduced lowest floor elevation.
[Ord. #95-16, § 5.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
In all areas of special flood hazard, compliance with the applicable requirements of the Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and the following standards, whichever is more restrictive, is required:
a. 
Anchoring.
1. 
All new construction and substantial improvements shall be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure.
2. 
All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse or lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not to be limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable state and local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.
b. 
Construction materials and methods.
1. 
All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage.
2. 
All new construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed using methods and practices that minimize flood damage.
c. 
Utilities.
1. 
All new and replacement water supply systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system;
2. 
New and replacement sanitary sewage systems shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharge from the systems into floodwaters;
3. 
On-site waste disposal systems shall be located to avoid impairment to them or contamination from them during flooding; and
4. 
For all new construction and substantial improvements, the electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air-conditioning equipment and other service facilities shall be designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
d. 
Subdivision proposals.
1. 
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
2. 
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall have public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems, located and constructed to minimize flood damage;
3. 
All subdivision proposals and other proposed new development shall have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage; and
4. 
Base flood elevation data shall be provided for subdivision proposals and other proposed new development which contains at least 50 lots or five acres (whichever is less).
e. 
Enclosure openings. All new construction and substantial improvements having fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement and which are subject to flooding shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect or must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria: A minimum of two openings in at least two exterior walls of each enclosed area, having a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding, shall be provided. The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
[Ord. #95-16, § 5.0; 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
In all areas of special flood hazard where base flood elevation data have been provided as set forth in Subsection 19-3.2, Basis for Establishing Areas of Special Flood Hazard, or in Subsection 19-4.3b, Use of other base flood data, the following standards are required:
a. 
Residential construction.
1. 
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure located in an A or AE Zone shall have the lowest floor, including basement, together with the attendant utilities (including all electrical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other service equipment) and sanitary facilities, elevated at or above the more-restrictive: base flood elevation (published FIS/FIRM) plus one foot, the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, or as required by ASCE/SEI 24-14, Table 2-1.
2. 
Require within any AO Zone on the municipality's FIRM that all new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, together with the attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, elevated above the depth number specified in feet plus one foot, above the highest adjacent grade (at least three feet if no depth number is specified) or at or above the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, whichever is more restrictive, and require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
b. 
Nonresidential construction. In an area of special flood hazard, all new construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or other nonresidential structure located in an A or AE Zone shall have the lowest floor, including basement, together with the attendant utilities and sanitary facilities, as well as all electrical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other service equipment, either:
1. 
Elevated at or above the more-restrictive: base flood elevation (published FIS/FIRM) plus one foot, the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, or as required by ASCE/SEI 24-14, Table 2-1;
2. 
Require within any AO or AH Zone on the municipality's FIRM to elevate above the depth number specified in feet plus one foot, above the highest adjacent grade (at least three feet if no depth number is specified) or at or above the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, whichever is more restrictive, and require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures; or
3. 
Be floodproofed so that below the more-restrictive: base flood elevation (published FIS/FIRM) plus one foot, the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, or as required by ASCE/SEI 24-14, Table 6-1, the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water;
4. 
Have structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy; and
5. 
Be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the design and methods of construction are in accordance with accepted standards of practice for meeting the applicable provisions of this subsection. Such certification shall be provided to the official as set forth in Subsection 19-4.3c2(b).
c. 
Manufactured homes.
1. 
Manufactured homes shall be anchored in accordance with Subsection 19-5.1a2.
2. 
All manufactured homes to be placed or substantially improved within an area of special flood hazard shall:
(a) 
Be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage;
(b) 
Be constructed to minimize flood damage;
(c) 
Have adequate drainage provided to reduce exposure to flood damage;
(d) 
Be elevated on a permanent foundation such that the top of the lowest floor is at or above the more-restrictive: base flood elevation (published FIS/FIRM) plus one foot, the best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot, or as required by ASCE/SEI 24-14, Table 2-1;
(e) 
The manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least equivalent strength that are no less than 36 inches in height above grade and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
[Ord. #95-16, § 5.0]
The cumulative effect of any proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, shall not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than 0.2 foot any point.
[Added 8-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-3]
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of the chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect; and for this purpose, the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable.
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 2021-4 repealed former § 19-6, Stormwater Control. Prior history includes Ord. Nos. 2006-1 and 2007-8
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
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. GI BMPs and low-impact development (LID) should be utilized to meet the goal of maintaining natural hydrology to reduce stormwater runoff volume, reduce erosion, encourage infiltration and groundwater recharge, and reduce pollution. GI BMPs and LID should be developed based upon physical site conditions and the origin, nature and the anticipated quantity, or amount, of potential pollutants. Multiple stormwater management BMPs may be necessary to achieve the established performance standards for water quality, quantity, and groundwater recharge.
b. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for major development, as defined below in § 19-6.2.
c. 
Applicability.
1. 
This section 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 section shall also be applicable to all major developments undertaken by the Borough of Moonachie.
d. 
Compatibility with other permit and ordinance requirements. Development approvals issued pursuant to this section are to be considered an integral part of development approvals and do not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable code, rule, act, or ordinance. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this section shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. This section is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other ordinances, rule or regulation, statute, or other provision of law except that, where any provision of this section imposes restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule or regulation, or other provision of law, the more restrictive provisions or higher standards shall control.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
For the purpose of this section, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein unless their use in the text of this section clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory. The definitions below are the same as or based on the corresponding definitions in the Stormwater Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.2.
CAFRA CENTERS, CORES OR NODES
Those areas with boundaries incorporated by reference or revised by the Department in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:7-13.16.
CAFRA PLANNING MAP
The map used by the Department to identify the location of Coastal Planning Areas, CAFRA centers, CAFRA cores, and CAFRA nodes. The CAFRA Planning Map is available on the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS).
COMMUNITY BASIN
An infiltration system, sand filter designed to infiltrate, standard constructed wetland, or wet pond, established in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-4.2(c)14, that is designed and constructed in accordance with the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, or an alternate design, approved in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(g), for an infiltration system, sand filter designed to infiltrate, standard constructed wetland, or wet pond and that complies with the requirements of this section.
COMPACTION
The increase in soil bulk density.
CONTRIBUTORY DRAINAGE AREA
The area from which stormwater runoff drains to a stormwater management measure, not including the area of the stormwater management measure itself.
CORE
A pedestrian-oriented area of commercial and civic uses serving the surrounding municipality, generally including housing and access to public transportation.
COUNTY REVIEW AGENCY
An agency designated by the County Board of Commissioners to review municipal stormwater management plans and implementing ordinance(s). The county review agency may either be:
a. 
A county planning agency; or
b. 
A county water resource association created under N.J.S.A. 58:16A-55.5, if the ordinance or resolution delegates authority to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove municipal stormwater management plans and implementing ordinances.
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Environmental Protection.
DESIGN ENGINEER
A person professionally qualified and duly licensed in New Jersey to perform engineering services that may include, but not necessarily be limited to, development of project requirements, creation and development of project design and preparation of drawings and specifications.
DESIGNATED CENTER
A State Development and Redevelopment Plan Center as designated by the State Planning Commission, such as urban, regional, town, village, or hamlet.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or structure, any mining excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission is required under the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. In the case of development of agricultural land, development means any activity that requires a state permit, any activity reviewed by the County Agricultural Board (CAB) and the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC), and municipal review of any activity not exempted by the Right to Farm Act, N.J.S.A. 4:1C-1 et seq.
DISTURBANCE
The placement or reconstruction of impervious surface or motor vehicle surface, or exposure and/or movement of soil or bedrock or clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation. Milling and repaving is not considered disturbance for the purposes of this definition.
DRAINAGE AREA
A geographic area within which stormwater, sediments, or dissolved materials drain to a particular receiving water body or to a particular point along a receiving water body.
EMPOWERMENT NEIGHBORHOODS
Neighborhoods designated by the Urban Coordinating Council "in consultation and conjunction with" the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority pursuant to N.J.S.A. 55:19-69.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSTRAINED AREA
The following areas where the physical alteration of the land is in some way restricted, either through regulation, easement, deed restriction or ownership, such as wetlands, floodplains, threatened and endangered species sites or designated habitats, and parks and preserves. Habitats of endangered or threatened species are identified using the Department's Landscape Project as approved by the Department's Endangered and Nongame Species Program.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREA
An area or feature which is of significant environmental value, including, but not limited to, stream corridors, natural heritage priority sites, habitats of endangered or threatened species, large areas of contiguous open space or upland forest, steep slopes, and wellhead protection and groundwater recharge areas. Habitats of endangered or threatened species are identified using the Department's Landscape Project as approved by the Department's Endangered and Nongame Species Program.
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
A stormwater management measure that manages stormwater close to its source by:
a. 
Treating stormwater runoff through infiltration into subsoil;
b. 
Treating stormwater runoff through filtration by vegetation or soil; or
c. 
Storing stormwater runoff for reuse.
HUC 14 or HYDROLOGIC UNIT CODE 14
An area within which water drains to a particular receiving surface water body, also known as a "subwatershed," which is identified by a fourteen-digit hydrologic unit boundary designation, delineated within New Jersey by the United States Geological Survey.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water.
INFILTRATION
The process by which water seeps into the soil from precipitation.
LEAD PLANNING AGENCY
One or more public entities having stormwater management planning authority designated by the regional stormwater management planning committee pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8-3.2, that serves as the primary representative of the committee.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
a. 
An individual development, as well as multiple developments that individually or collectively result in:
1. 
The disturbance of one or more acres of land since February 2, 2004;
2. 
The creation of 1/4 acre or more of regulated impervious surface since February 2, 2004;
3. 
The creation of 1/4 acre or more of regulated motor vehicle surface since March 2, 2021; or
4. 
A combination of Subsection a2 and 3 above that totals an area of 1/4 acre or more. The same surface shall not be counted twice when determining if the combination area equals 1/4 acre or more.
b. 
Major development includes all developments that are part of a common plan of development or sale (for example, phased residential development) that collectively or individually meet any one or more of Subsection a1, 2, 3, or 4 above. Projects undertaken by any government agency that otherwise meet the definition of "major development" but which do not require approval under the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., are also considered major development.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Land vehicles propelled other than by muscular power, such as automobiles, motorcycles, autocycles, and low-speed vehicles. For the purposes of this definition, motor vehicle does not include farm equipment, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized wheelchairs, go-carts, gas buggies, golf carts, ski-slope grooming machines, or vehicles that run only on rails or tracks.
MOTOR VEHICLE SURFACE
Any pervious or impervious surface that is intended to be used by motor vehicles and/or aircraft, and is directly exposed to precipitation, including, but not limited to, driveways, parking areas, parking garages, roads, racetracks, and runways.
MUNICIPALITY
Any city, borough, town, township, or village.
NEW JERSEY STORMWATER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP) MANUAL or BMP MANUAL
The manual maintained by the Department providing, in part, design specifications, removal rates, calculation methods, and soil testing procedures approved by the Department as being capable of contributing to the achievement of the stormwater management standards specified in this section. The BMP Manual is periodically amended by the Department as necessary to provide design specifications on additional best management practices and new information on already included practices reflecting the best available current information regarding the particular practice and the Department's determination as to the ability of that best management practice to contribute to compliance with the standards contained in this section. Alternative stormwater management measures, removal rates, or calculation methods may be utilized, subject to any limitations specified in this section, provided the design engineer demonstrates to the municipality, in accordance with § 19-6.4f of this section and N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(g), that the proposed measure and its design will contribute to achievement of the design and performance standards established by this section.
NODE
An area designated by the State Planning Commission concentrating facilities and activities which are not organized in a compact form.
NUTRIENT
A chemical element or compound, such as nitrogen or phosphorus, which is essential to and promotes the development of organisms.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, political subdivision of this state and any state, interstate or federal agency.
POLLUTANT
Any dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, refuse, oil, grease, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, medical wastes, radioactive substance [except those regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.)], thermal waste, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial, municipal, agricultural, and construction waste or runoff, or other residue discharged directly or indirectly to the land, groundwaters or surface waters of the state, or to a domestic treatment works. "Pollutant" includes both hazardous and nonhazardous pollutants.
RECHARGE
The amount of water from precipitation that infiltrates into the ground and is not evapotranspired.
REGULATED IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any of the following, alone or in combination:
a. 
A net increase of impervious surface;
b. 
The total area of impervious surface collected by a new stormwater conveyance system (for the purpose of this definition, a "new stormwater conveyance system" is a stormwater conveyance system that is constructed where one did not exist immediately prior to its construction or an existing system for which a new discharge location is created);
c. 
The total area of impervious surface proposed to be newly collected by an existing stormwater conveyance system; and/or
d. 
The total area of impervious surface collected by an existing stormwater conveyance system where the capacity of that conveyance system is increased.
REGULATED MOTOR VEHICLE SURFACE
Any of the following, alone or in combination:
a. 
The total area of motor vehicle surface that is currently receiving water;
b. 
A net increase in motor vehicle surface; and/or
c. 
Quality treatment either by vegetation or soil, by an existing stormwater management measure, or by treatment at a wastewater treatment plant, where the water quality treatment will be modified or removed.
SEDIMENT
Solid material, mineral or organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water or gravity as a product of erosion.
SITE
The lot or lots upon which a major development is to occur or has occurred.
SOIL
All unconsolidated mineral and organic material of any origin.
STATE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PLAN METROPOLITAN PLANNING AREA (PA1)
An area delineated on the State Plan Policy Map and adopted by the State Planning Commission that is intended to be the focus for much of the state's future redevelopment and revitalization efforts.
STATE PLAN POLICY MAP
The geographic application of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan's goals and statewide policies, and the official map of these goals and policies.
STORMWATER
Water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, or is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewage or drainage facilities, or conveyed by snow removal equipment.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BMP
An excavation or embankment and related areas designed to retain stormwater runoff. A stormwater management BMP may either be normally dry (that is, a detention basin or infiltration system), retain water in a permanent pool (a retention basin), or be planted mainly with wetland vegetation (most constructed stormwater wetlands).
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MEASURE
Any practice, technology, process, program, or other method intended to control or reduce stormwater runoff and associated pollutants, or to induce or control the infiltration or groundwater recharge of stormwater or to eliminate illicit or illegal nonstormwater discharges into stormwater conveyances.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING AGENCY
A public body authorized by legislation to prepare stormwater management plans.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING AREA
The geographic area for which a stormwater management planning agency is authorized to prepare stormwater management plans, or a specific portion of that area identified in a stormwater management plan prepared by that agency.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Water flow on the surface of the ground or in storm sewers, resulting from precipitation.
TIDAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA
A flood hazard area in which the flood elevation resulting from the two-, ten-, or 100-year storm, as applicable, is governed by tidal flooding from the Atlantic Ocean. Flooding in a tidal flood hazard area may be contributed to, or influenced by, stormwater runoff from inland areas, but the depth of flooding generated by the tidal rise and fall of the Atlantic Ocean is greater than flooding from any fluvial sources. In some situations, depending upon the extent of the storm surge from a particular storm event, a flood hazard area may be tidal in the 100-year storm, but fluvial in more frequent storm events.
URBAN COORDINATING COUNCIL EMPOWERMENT NEIGHBORHOOD
A neighborhood given priority access to state resources through the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.
URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONES
A zone designated by the New Jersey Enterprise Zone Authority pursuant to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27H-60 et seq.
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Previously developed portions of areas:
a. 
Delineated on the State Plan Policy Map (SPPM) as the Metropolitan Planning Area (PA1), designated centers, cores or nodes;
b. 
Designated as CAFRA centers, cores or nodes;
c. 
Designated as Urban Enterprise Zones; and
d. 
Designated as Urban Coordinating Council Empowerment Neighborhoods.
WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE
A structure within, or adjacent to, a water, which intentionally or coincidentally alters the hydraulic capacity, the flood elevation resulting from the two-, ten-, or 100-year storm, flood hazard area limit, and/or floodway limit of the water. Examples of a water control structure may include a bridge, culvert, dam, embankment, ford (if above grade), retaining wall, and weir.
WATERS OF THE STATE
The ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams, wetlands, and bodies of surface water or groundwater, whether natural or artificial, within the boundaries of the State of New Jersey or subject to its jurisdiction.
WETLANDS or WETLAND
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as "hydrophytic vegetation."
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Stormwater management measures for major development shall be designed to provide erosion control, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quantity control, and stormwater runoff quality treatment as follows:
1. 
The minimum standards for erosion control are those established under the Soil and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., and implementing rules at N.J.A.C. 2:90.
2. 
The minimum standards for groundwater recharge, stormwater quality, and stormwater runoff quantity shall be met by incorporating green infrastructure.
b. 
The standards in this section apply only to new major development and are intended to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff on water quality and water quantity in receiving water bodies and maintain groundwater recharge. The standards do not apply to new major development to the extent that alternative design and performance standards are applicable under a regional stormwater management plan or water quality management plan adopted in accordance with Department rules.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Standards for nonstructural management measures are as follows:
1. 
Buffers. Buffer areas are required along all lot and street lines separating residential uses from arterial and collector streets, separating a nonresidential use from either a residential use or residential zoning district line, and along all street lines where loading and storage areas can be seen from the street. The buffer area shall use native vegetation, which requires less fertilization and watering than nonnative species. Buffer areas may be used for stormwater management by disconnecting impervious surfaces and treating runoff from these impervious surfaces. Preservation of natural wood tracts and limiting land disturbance for new construction shall be incorporated where practical.
2. 
Curbs and gutters. Curb cuts or flush curbs with curb stops are encouraged where practical to allow vegetated swales to be used for stormwater conveyance and to allow the disconnection of impervious areas where practical.
3. 
Drainage systems. An existing ordinance may require that all streets be provided with inlets and pipes where the same are necessary for proper drainage. The use of natural vegetated swales in lieu of inlets and pipes are encouraged where practical.
4. 
Driveways and accessways. The use of pervious paving materials to minimize stormwater runoff and promote groundwater recharge should be considered for driveways and access ways where practical. Consideration should be given for subsurface soil conditions. The use of crowned driveways is also encouraged to promote disconnectivity between impervious surfaces and grass areas to promote groundwater recharge.
5. 
Natural features. Natural features, such as trees, brooks, swamps, hilltops, and views, are to be preserved whenever possible, and that care be taken to preserve selected trees to enhance soil stability and landscaped treatment of the area. In addition, forested areas shall be maintained to ensure that leaf litter and other beneficial aspects of the forest are maintained in addition to the trees.
6. 
Nonconforming uses, structures or lots. The existing ordinance may allow an applicant/owner of an existing use to propose additions or alterations that exceed the permitted building and/or lot coverage percentages. The applicant should mitigate the impact of the additional impervious surfaces unless the stormwater management plan for the development provided for these increases in impervious surfaces. This mitigation effort must address water quality, flooding and groundwater recharge.
7. 
Off-Site and Off-Tract Improvements. Any off-site and off-tract stormwater management and drainage improvements must conform to the design and performance standards described.
8. 
Off-Street Parking and Loading. Parking lots with more than 10 spaces and all loading areas should allow for flush curb with curb stop, or curbing with curb cuts to encourage developers to allow for the discharge of impervious areas into landscaped areas for stormwater management. The use of natural vegetated swales for the water quality design storm, with overflow for larger storm events into storm sewers, should be utilized where practical. A developer may demonstrate that fewer spaces would be required, provided area is set aside for additional spaces if necessary. Pervious paving could be provided for overflow parking areas.
9. 
Performance standards. This section can provide for pollution source control and must be evaluated in order to prohibit materials or wastes from being deposited upon a lot in such form or manner that they can be transferred off the lot, directly or indirectly, by natural forces such as precipitation, evaporation or wind. Materials and wastes that might create a pollutant or a hazard shall be enclosed in appropriate containers.
10. 
Shade trees. The existing ordinance may require a minimum of shade trees per lot to be planted in the front yard. In addition to this subsection, the Borough may have a tree preservation ordinance that restricts and otherwise controls the removal of mature trees throughout the Borough. This section should recognize that the preservation of mature trees and forested areas must be considered in the management of environmental resources, particularly watershed management, air quality, and ambient heating and cooling. A critical disturbance area that extends beyond the driveway and building footprint where clearing of trees cannot occur shall be depicted on the plan minimizing land disturbance. Identification of forested areas and the percentage of wooded areas to be protected from disturbance shall also be provided.
11. 
Sidewalks. Sidewalks should be designed to discharge stormwater to neighboring lawns where feasible to disconnect these impervious surfaces or use permeable paving materials where appropriate.
12. 
Soil erosion and sediment control. The applicant shall comply with the New Jersey Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards and should incorporate signs to retain and protect natural vegetation; minimize and retain water runoff to facilitate groundwater recharge; and install diversions, sediment basins, and similar required structures prior to any on-site grading or disturbance.
b. 
Further guidance on the implementation of these strategies can be found in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, April 2004, as amended.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
The development shall incorporate a maintenance plan for the stormwater management measures incorporated into the design of a major development in accordance with § 19-6.10.
b. 
Stormwater management measures shall avoid adverse impacts of concentrated flow on habitat for threatened and endangered species as documented in the Department's Landscape Project or Natural Heritage Database established under N.J.S.A. 13:1B-15.147 through 13:1B-15.150, particularly Helonias bullata (swamp pink) and/or Clemmys muhlenbergii (bog turtle).
c. 
The following linear development projects are exempt from the groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity requirements of § 19-6.4p, q and r:
1. 
The construction of an underground utility line, provided that the disturbed areas are revegetated upon completion;
2. 
The construction of an aboveground utility line, provided that the existing conditions are maintained to the maximum extent practicable; and
3. 
The construction of a public pedestrian access, such as a sidewalk or trail with a maximum width of 14 feet, provided that the access is made of permeable material.
d. 
A waiver from strict compliance from the green infrastructure, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity requirements of § 19-6.4o, p, q and r may be obtained for the enlargement of an existing public roadway or railroad; or the construction or enlargement of a public pedestrian access, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. 
The applicant demonstrates that there is a public need for the project that cannot be accomplished by any other means;
2. 
The applicant demonstrates through an alternatives analysis, that through the use of stormwater management measures, the option selected complies with the requirements of § 19-6.4o, p, q and r to the maximum extent practicable;
3. 
The applicant demonstrates that, in order to meet the requirements of § 19- 6.4o, p, q and r, existing structures currently in use, such as homes and buildings, would need to be condemned; and
4. 
The applicant demonstrates that it does not own or have other rights to areas, including the potential to obtain through condemnation lands not falling under § 19-6.4d3 above within the upstream drainage area of the receiving stream, that would provide additional opportunities to mitigate the requirements of § 19-6.4o, p, q and r that were not achievable on-site.
e. 
Tables 1 through 3 below summarize the ability of stormwater best management practices identified and described in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual to satisfy the green infrastructure, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality and stormwater runoff quantity standards specified in § 19-6.4o, p, q and r. When designed in accordance with the most current version of the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, the stormwater management measures found at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(f), Tables 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3, and listed below in Tables 1, 2 and 3 are presumed to be capable of providing stormwater controls for the design and performance standards as outlined in the tables below. Upon amendments of the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices to reflect additions or deletions of BMPs meeting these standards, or changes in the presumed performance of BMPs designed in accordance with the New Jersey Stormwater BMP Manual, the Department shall publish in the New Jersey Registers a notice of administrative change revising the applicable table. The most current version of the BMP Manual can be found on the Department's website at: https://njstormwater.org/bmp_manual2.htm.
f. 
Where the BMP tables in the NJ Stormwater Management Rule are different due to updates or amendments with the tables in this section, the BMP Tables in the Stormwater Management rule at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.2(f) shall take precedence.
Table 1
Green Infrastructure BMPs for Groundwater Recharge, Stormwater Runoff Quality, and/or Stormwater Runoff
Best Management Practice
Stormwater Runoff Quality TSS Removal Rate
Stormwater Runoff Quantity
Groundwater Recharge
Minimum Separation from Seasonal High-Water Table
(feet)
Cistern
0%
Yes
No
Dry well(a)
0%
No
Yes
2
Grass swale
50% or less
No
No
2(e)
1(f)
Green roof
0%
Yes
No
Manufactured treatment device(a)(g)
50% or 80%
No
No
Dependent upon the device
Pervious paving system(a)
80%
Yes
Yes(b)
No(c)
2(b)
1(c)
Small-scale bioretention basin(a)
80% or 90%
Yes
Yes(b)
No(c)
2(b)
1(c)
Small-scale infiltration basin(a)
80%
Yes
Yes
2
Small-scale sand filter
80%
Yes
Yes
2
Vegetative filter strip
60% to 80%
No
No
(Notes corresponding to annotations (a) through (g) are found under Table 3.)
Table 2
Green Infrastructure BMPs for Stormwater Runoff Quantity
(or for Groundwater Recharge and/or Stormwater Runoff Quality)
Best Management Practice
Stormwater Runoff Quality TSS Removal Rate
Stormwater Runoff Quantity
Groundwater Recharge
Minimum Separation from Seasonal High-Water Table
(feet)
Bioretention system
80% or 90%
Yes
Yes(b)
No(c)
2(b)
1(c)
Infiltration basin
80%
Yes
Yes
2
Sand filter(b)
80%
Yes
Yes
2
Standard constructed wetland
90%
Yes
No
N/A
Wet pond(d)
50% to 90%
Yes
No
N/A
(Notes corresponding to annotations (b) through (d) are found under Table 3.)
Table 3
BMPs for Groundwater Recharge, Stormwater Runoff Quality, and/or Stormwater Runoff Quantity
only with a Waiver or Variance from N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3
Best Management Practice
Stormwater Runoff Quality TSS Removal Rate
Stormwater Runoff Quantity
Groundwater Recharge
Minimum Separation from Seasonal High-Water Table
(feet)
Blue roof
0%
Yes
No
N/A
Extended detention basin
40% to 60%
Yes
No
1
Manufactured treatment device(h)
50% or 80%
No
No
Dependent upon the device
Sand filter(c)
80%
Yes
No
1
Subsurface gravel wetland
90%
No
No
1
Wet pond
50% to 90%
Yes
No
N/A
Notes to Tables 1, 2, and 3:
(a)
Subject to the applicable contributory drainage area limitation specified at § 19-6.4o2;
(b)
Designed to infiltrate into the subsoil;
(c)
Designed with underdrains;
(d)
Designed to maintain at least ten-foot-wide area of native vegetation along at least 50% of the shoreline and to include a stormwater runoff retention component designed to capture stormwater runoff for beneficial reuse, such as irrigation;
(e)
Designed with a slope of less than 2%;
(f)
Designed with a slope of equal to or greater than 2%;
(g)
Manufactured treatment devices that meet the definition of "green infrastructure" at § 19-6.2;
(h)
Manufactured treatment devices that do not meet the definition of "green infrastructure" at § 19-6.2.
g. 
An alternative stormwater management measure, alternative removal rate, and/or alternative method to calculate the removal rate may be used if the design engineer demonstrates the capability of the proposed alternative stormwater management measure and/or the validity of the alternative rate or method to the municipality. A copy of any approved alternative stormwater management measure, alternative removal rate, and/or alternative method to calculate the removal rate shall be provided to the Department in accordance with § 19-6.6b. Alternative stormwater management measures may be used to satisfy the requirements at § 19-6.4o only if the measures meet the definition of "green infrastructure" at § 19-6.2. Alternative stormwater management measures that function in a similar manner to a BMP listed at Subsection o2 are subject to the contributory drainage area limitation specified at Subsection o2 for that similarly functioning BMP. Alternative stormwater management measures approved in accordance with this subsection that do not function in a similar manner to any BMP listed at Subsection o2 shall have a contributory drainage area less than or equal to 2.5 acres, except for alternative stormwater management measures that function similarly to cisterns, grass swales, green roofs, standard constructed wetlands, vegetative filter strips, and wet ponds, which are not subject to a contributory drainage area limitation. Alternative measures that function similarly to standard constructed wetlands or wet ponds shall not be used for compliance with the stormwater runoff quality standard unless a variance in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-4.6 or a waiver from strict compliance in accordance with § 19-6.4d is granted from § 19-6.4o.
h. 
Whenever the stormwater management design includes one or more BMPs that will infiltrate stormwater into subsoil, the design engineer shall assess the hydraulic impact on the groundwater table and design the site, so as to avoid adverse hydraulic impacts. Potential adverse hydraulic impacts include, but are not limited to, exacerbating a naturally or seasonally high-water table, so as to cause surficial ponding, flooding of basements, or interference with the proper operation of subsurface sewage disposal systems or other subsurface structures within the zone of influence of the groundwater mound, or interference with the proper functioning of the stormwater management measure itself.
i. 
Design standards for stormwater management measures are as follows:
1. 
Stormwater management measures shall be designed to take into account the existing site conditions, including, but not limited to, environmentally critical areas; wetlands; flood-prone areas; slopes; depth to seasonal high-water table; soil type, permeability, and texture; drainage area and drainage patterns; and the presence of solution-prone carbonate rocks (limestone);
2. 
Stormwater management measures shall be designed to minimize maintenance, facilitate maintenance and repairs, and ensure proper functioning. Trash racks shall be installed at the intake to the outlet structure, as appropriate, and shall have parallel bars with one-inch spacing between the bars to the elevation of the water quality design storm. For elevations higher than the water quality design storm, the parallel bars at the outlet structure shall be spaced no greater than 1/3 the width of the diameter of the orifice or 1/3 the width of the weir, with a minimum spacing between bars of one inch and a maximum spacing between bars of six inches. In addition, the design of trash racks must comply with the requirements of § 19-6.8c;
3. 
Stormwater management measures shall be designed, constructed, and installed to be strong, durable, and corrosion resistant. Measures that are consistent with the relevant portions of the Residential Site Improvement Standards at N.J.A.C. 5:21-7.3, 5:21-7.4, and 5:21-7.5 shall be deemed to meet this requirement;
4. 
Stormwater management BMPs shall be designed to meet the minimum safety standards for stormwater management BMPs at § 19-6.8; and
5. 
The size of the orifice at the intake to the outlet from the stormwater management BMP shall be a minimum of 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
j. 
Manufactured treatment devices may be used to meet the requirements of this section, provided the pollutant removal rates are verified by the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology and certified by the Department. Manufactured treatment devices that do not meet the definition of "green infrastructure" at § 19-6.2 may be used only under the circumstances described at § 19-6.4o4.
k. 
Any application for a new agricultural development that meets the definition of "major development" at § 19-6.2 shall be submitted to the Soil Conservation District for review and approval in accordance with the requirements at § 19-6.4o, p, q and R and any applicable Soil Conservation District guidelines for stormwater runoff quantity and erosion control. For purposes of this subsection, "agricultural development" means land uses normally associated with the production of food, fiber, and livestock for sale. Such uses do not include the development of land for the processing or sale of food and the manufacture of agriculturally related products.
l. 
If there is more than one drainage area, the groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity standards at § 19-6.4p, q and r shall be met in each drainage area, unless the runoff from the drainage areas converge on-site and no adverse environmental impact would occur as a result of compliance with any one or more of the individual standards being determined utilizing a weighted average of the results achieved for that individual standard across the affected drainage areas.
m. 
Any stormwater management measure authorized under the municipal stormwater management plan or ordinance shall be reflected in a deed notice recorded in the Bergen County Clerk's office located at: 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A form of deed notice shall be submitted to the municipality for approval prior to filing. The deed notice shall contain a description of the stormwater management measure(s) used to meet the green infrastructure, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity standards at § 19-6.4o, p, q and r and shall identify the location of the stormwater management measure(s) in NAD 1983 State Plane New Jersey FIPS 2900 US feet or latitude and longitude in decimal degrees. The deed notice shall also reference the maintenance plan required to be recorded upon the deed pursuant to § 19-6.10b5. Prior to the commencement of construction, proof that the above required deed notice has been filed shall be submitted to the municipality. Proof that the required information has been recorded on the deed shall be in the form of either a copy of the complete recorded document or a receipt from the Clerk or other proof of recordation provided by the recording office. However, if the initial proof provided to the municipality is not a copy of the complete recorded document, a copy of the complete recorded document shall be provided to the municipality within 180 calendar days of the authorization granted by the municipality.
n. 
A stormwater management measure approved under the municipal stormwater management plan or ordinance may be altered or replaced with the approval of the municipality, if the municipality determines that the proposed alteration or replacement meets the design and performance standards pursuant to § 19-6.4 of this section and provides the same level of stormwater management as the previously approved stormwater management measure that is being altered or replaced. If an alteration or replacement is approved, a revised deed notice shall be submitted to the municipality for approval and subsequently recorded with the office of the Clerk of the County of Bergen and shall contain a description and location of the stormwater management measure, as well as reference to the maintenance plan, in accordance with Subsection M above. Prior to the commencement of construction, proof that the above required deed notice has been filed shall be submitted to the municipality in accordance with Subsection M above.
o. 
Green infrastructure standards.
1. 
This subsection specifies the types of green infrastructure BMPs that may be used to satisfy the groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity standards.
2. 
To satisfy the groundwater recharge and stormwater runoff quality standards at § 19-6.4p and q, the design engineer shall utilize green infrastructure BMPs identified in Table 1 at § 19-6.4f and/or an alternative stormwater management measure approved in accordance with § 19-6.4g. The following green infrastructure BMPs are subject to the following maximum contributory drainage area limitations:
Best Management Practice
Maximum Contributory Drainage Area
(acres)
Dry well
1
Manufactured treatment device
2.5
Pervious pavement systems
Area of additional inflow cannot exceed 3 times the area occupied by the BMP
Small-scale bioretention systems
2.5
Small-scale infiltration basin
2.5
Small-scale sand filter
2.5
3. 
To satisfy the stormwater runoff quantity standards at § 19-6.4r, the design engineer shall utilize BMPs from Table 1 or from Table 2 and/or an alternative stormwater management measure approved in accordance with § 19-6.4g.
4. 
If a variance in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8-4.6 or a waiver from strict compliance in accordance with § 19-6.4d is granted from the requirements of this subsection, then BMPs from Table 1, 2, or 3, and/or an alternative stormwater management measure approved in accordance with § 19-6.4g may be used to meet the groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality, and stormwater runoff quantity standards at § 19-6.4p, q and r.
5. 
For separate or combined storm sewer improvement projects, such as sewer separation, undertaken by a government agency or public utility (for example, a sewerage company), the requirements of this subsection shall only apply to areas owned in fee simple by the government agency or utility, and areas within a right-of-way or easement held or controlled by the government agency or utility; the entity shall not be required to obtain additional property or property rights to fully satisfy the requirements of this subsection. Regardless of the amount of area of a separate or combined storm sewer improvement project subject to the green infrastructure requirements of this subsection, each project shall fully comply with the applicable groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quality control, and stormwater runoff quantity standards at § 19-6.4p, q and r, unless the project is granted a waiver from strict compliance in accordance with § 19-6.4d.
p. 
Groundwater recharge standards.
1. 
This subsection contains the minimum design and performance standards for groundwater recharge as follows.
2. 
The design engineer shall, using the assumptions and factors for stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge calculations at § 19-6.5, either:
(a) 
Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the site and its stormwater management measures maintain 100% of the average annual preconstruction groundwater recharge volume for the site; or
(b) 
Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the increase of stormwater runoff volume from preconstruction to post-construction for the two-year storm is infiltrated.
3. 
This groundwater recharge requirement does not apply to projects within the "urban redevelopment area," or to projects subject to Subsection p4 below.
4. 
The following types of stormwater shall not be recharged:
(a) 
Stormwater from areas of high pollutant loading. High pollutant loading areas are areas in industrial and commercial developments where solvents and/or petroleum products are loaded/unloaded, stored, or applied, areas where pesticides are loaded/unloaded or stored; areas where hazardous materials are expected to be present in greater than "reportable quantities" as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR 302.4; areas where recharge would be inconsistent with Department-approved remedial action work plan or landfill closure plan and areas with high risks for spills of toxic materials, such as gas stations and vehicle maintenance facilities; and
(b) 
Industrial stormwater exposed to source material. "Source material" means any material(s) or machinery, located at an industrial facility, that is directly or indirectly related to process, manufacturing or other industrial activities, which could be a source of pollutants in any industrial stormwater discharge to groundwater. Source materials include, but are not limited to, raw materials; intermediate products; final products; waste materials; by-products; industrial machinery and fuels, and lubricants, solvents, and detergents that are related to process, manufacturing, or other industrial activities that are exposed to stormwater.
q. 
Stormwater runoff quality standards.
1. 
This subsection contains the minimum design and performance standards to control stormwater runoff quality impacts of major development. Stormwater runoff quality standards are applicable when the major development results in an increase of 1/4 acre or more of regulated motor vehicle surface.
2. 
Stormwater management measures shall be designed to reduce the post-construction load of total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater runoff generated from the water quality design storm as follows:
(a) 
Eighty percent TSS removal of the anticipated load, expressed as an annual average, shall be achieved for the stormwater runoff from the net increase of motor vehicle surface.
(b) 
If the surface is considered regulated motor vehicle surface because the water quality treatment for an area of motor vehicle surface that is currently receiving water quality treatment either by vegetation or soil, by an existing stormwater management measure, or by treatment at a wastewater treatment plant is to be modified or removed, the project shall maintain or increase the existing TSS removal of the anticipated load expressed as an annual average.
3. 
The requirement to reduce TSS does not apply to any stormwater runoff in a discharge regulated under a numeric effluent limitation for TSS imposed under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:14A, or in a discharge specifically exempt under a NJPDES permit from this requirement. Every major development, including any that discharge into a combined sewer system, shall comply with Subsection q2 above, unless the major development is itself subject to a NJPDES permit with a numeric effluent limitation for TSS or the NJPDES permit to which the major development is subject exempts the development from a numeric effluent limitation for TSS.
4. 
The water quality design storm is 1.25 inches of rainfall in two hours. Water quality calculations shall take into account the distribution of rain from the water quality design storm, as reflected in Table 4, below. The calculation of the volume of runoff may take into account the implementation of stormwater management measures.
Table 4
Water Quality Design Storm Distribution
Time
(minutes)
Cumulative Rainfall
(inches)
Time
(minutes)
Cumulative Rainfall
(inches)
Time
(minutes)
Cumulative Rainfall
(inches)
1
0.00166
41
0.1728
81
1.0906
2
0.00332
42
0.1796
82
1.0972
3
0.00498
43
0.1864
83
1.1038
4
0.00664
44
0.1932
84
1.1104
5
0.00830
45
0.2000
85
1.1170
6
0.00996
46
0.2117
86
1.1236
7
0.01162
47
0.2233
87
1.1302
8
0.01328
48
0.2350
88
1.1368
9
0.01494
49
0.2466
89
1.1434
10
0.01660
50
0.2583
90
1.1500
11
0.01828
51
0.2783
91
1.1550
12
0.01996
52
0.2983
92
1.1600
13
0.02164
53
0.3183
93
1.1650
14
0.02332
54
0.3383
94
1.1700
15
0.02500
55
0.3583
95
1.1750
16
0.03000
56
0.4116
96
1.1800
17
0.03500
57
0.4650
97
1.1850
18
0.04000
58
0.5183
98
1.1900
19
0.04500
59
0.5717
99
1.1950
20
0.05000
60
0.6250
100
1.2000
21
0.05500
61
0.6783
101
1.2050
22
0.06000
62
0.7317
102
1.2100
23
0.06500
63
0.7850
103
1.2150
24
0.07000
64
0.8384
104
1.2200
25
0.07500
65
0.8917
105
1.2250
26
0.08000
66
0.9117
106
1.2267
27
0.08500
67
0.9317
107
1.2284
28
0.09000
68
0.9517
108
1.2300
29
0.09500
69
0.9717
109
1.2317
30
0.10000
70
0.9917
110
1.2334
31
0.10660
71
1.0034
111
1.2351
32
0.11320
72
1.0150
112
1.2367
33
0.11980
73
1.0267
113
1.2384
34
0.12640
74
1.0383
114
1.2400
35
0.13300
75
1.0500
115
1.2417
36
0.13960
76
1.0568
116
1.2434
37
0.14620
77
1.0636
117
1.2450
38
0.15280
78
1.0704
118
1.2467
39
0.15940
79
1.0772
119
1.2483
40
0.16600
80
1.0840
120
1.2500
5. 
If more than one BMP in series is necessary to achieve the required 80% TSS reduction for a site, the applicant shall utilize the following formula to calculate TSS reduction:
R = A + B - (A x B)/100
Where:
R
=
total TSS percent load removal from application of both BMPs.
A
=
the TSS percent removal rate applicable to the first BMP.
B
=
the TSS percent removal rate applicable to the second BMP.
6. 
Stormwater management measures shall also be designed to reduce, to the maximum extent feasible, the post-construction nutrient load of the anticipated load from the developed site in stormwater runoff generated from the water quality design storm. In achieving reduction of nutrients to the maximum extent feasible, the design of the site shall include green infrastructure BMPs that optimize nutrient removal while still achieving the performance standards in § 19-6.4p, q and r.
7. 
In accordance with the definition of "FW1" at N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.4, stormwater management measures shall be designed to prevent any increase in stormwater runoff to waters classified as FW1.
8. 
The Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:13-4.1(c)1 establish 300-foot riparian zones along Category One waters, as designated in the Surface Water Quality Standards at N.J.A.C. 7:9B, and certain upstream tributaries to Category One waters. A person shall not undertake a major development that is located within or discharges into a 300-foot riparian zone without prior authorization from the Department under N.J.A.C. 7:13.
9. 
Pursuant to the Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:13-11.2(j)3i, runoff from the water quality design storm that is discharged within a 300-foot riparian zone shall be treated in accordance with this subsection to reduce the post-construction load of total suspended solids by 95% of the anticipated load from the developed site, expressed as an annual average.
10. 
This stormwater runoff quality standards do not apply to the construction of one individual single-family dwelling, provided that it is not part of a larger development or subdivision that has received preliminary or final site plan approval prior to December 3, 2018, and that the motor vehicle surfaces are made of permeable material(s), such as gravel, dirt, and/or shells.
r. 
Stormwater runoff quantity standards.
1. 
This subsection contains the minimum design and performance standards to control stormwater runoff quantity impacts of major development.
2. 
In order to control stormwater runoff quantity impacts, the design engineer shall, using the assumptions and factors for stormwater runoff calculations at § 19-6.5, complete one of the following:
(a) 
Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that for stormwater leaving the site, post-construction runoff hydrographs for the two-, ten-, and 100-year storm events do not exceed, at any point in time, the preconstruction runoff hydrographs for the same storm events;
(b) 
Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that there is no increase, as compared to the preconstruction condition, in the peak runoff rates of stormwater leaving the site for the two-, ten- and 100-year storm events and that the increased volume or change in timing of stormwater runoff will not increase flood damage at or downstream of the site. This analysis shall include the analysis of impacts of existing land uses and projected land uses assuming full development under existing zoning and land use ordinances in the drainage area;
(c) 
Design stormwater management measures so that the post-construction peak runoff rates for the two-, ten- and 100-year storm events are 50%, 75% and 80%, respectively, of the preconstruction peak runoff rates. The percentages apply only to the post-construction stormwater runoff that is attributable to the portion of the site on which the proposed development or project is to be constructed; or
(d) 
In tidal flood hazard areas, stormwater runoff quantity analysis in accordance with Subsection r2(a), (b) and (c) above is required unless the design engineer demonstrates through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the increased volume, change in timing, or increased rate of the stormwater runoff, or any combination of the three will not result in additional flood damage below the point of discharge of the major development. No analysis is required if the stormwater is discharged directly into any ocean, bay, inlet, or the reach of any watercourse between its confluence with an ocean, bay, or inlet and downstream of the first water control structure.
3. 
The stormwater runoff quantity standards shall be applied at the site's boundary to each abutting lot, roadway, watercourse, or receiving storm sewer system.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Stormwater runoff shall be calculated in accordance with the following:
1. 
The design engineer shall calculate runoff using one of the following methods:
(a) 
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) methodology, including the NRCS Runoff Equation and Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph, as described in Chapters 7, 9, 10, 15 and 16, Part 630, Hydrology National Engineering Handbook, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. This methodology is additionally described in Technical Release 55 - Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds (TR-55), dated June 1986, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. Information regarding the methodology is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service website at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1044171.pdf or at United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, 220 Davison Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey 08873; or
(b) 
The Rational Method for peak flow and the Modified Rational Method for hydrograph computations. The Rational and Modified Rational Methods are described in "Appendix A-9 Modified Rational Method" in the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey, January 2014. This document is available from the State Soil Conservation Committee or any of the soil conservation districts listed at N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3(a)3. The location, address, and telephone number for each soil conservation district is available from the State Soil Conservation Committee, PO Box 330, Trenton, New Jersey 08625. The document is also available at: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/anr/pdf/2014NJSoilErosionControlStandardsComplete.pdf.
2. 
For the purpose of calculating runoff coefficients and groundwater recharge, there is a presumption that the preconstruction condition of a site or portion thereof is a wooded land use with good hydrologic condition. The term "runoff coefficient" applies to both the NRCS methodology above at § 19-6.5a1(a) and the Rational and Modified Rational Methods at § 19-6.5a1(b). A runoff coefficient or a groundwater recharge land cover for an existing condition may be used on all or a portion of the site if the design engineer verifies that the hydrologic condition has existed on the site or portion of the site for at least five years without interruption prior to the time of application. If more than one land cover have existed on the site during the five years immediately prior to the time of application, the land cover with the lowest runoff potential shall be used for the computations. In addition, there is the presumption that the site is in good hydrologic condition (if the land use type is pasture, lawn, or park), with good cover (if the land use type is woods), or with good hydrologic condition and conservation treatment (if the land use type is cultivation).
3. 
In computing preconstruction stormwater runoff, the design engineer shall account for all significant land features and structures, such as ponds, wetlands, depressions, hedgerows, or culverts, that may reduce preconstruction stormwater runoff rates and volumes.
4. 
In computing stormwater runoff from all design storms, the design engineer shall consider the relative stormwater runoff rates and/or volumes of pervious and impervious surfaces separately to accurately compute the rates and volume of stormwater runoff from the site. To calculate runoff from unconnected impervious cover, urban impervious area modifications as described in the NRCS Technical Release 55 - Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds or other methods may be employed.
5. 
If the invert of the outlet structure of a stormwater management measure is below the flood hazard design flood elevation as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:13, the design engineer shall take into account the effects of tailwater in the design of structural stormwater management measures.
b. 
Groundwater recharge may be calculated in accordance with the following: the New Jersey Geological Survey Report GSR-32, A Method for Evaluating Ground-Water-Recharge Areas in New Jersey, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. Information regarding the methodology is available from the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual; at the New Jersey Geological Survey website at https://www.nj.gov/dep/njgs/pricelst/gsreport/gsr32.pdf or at New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, 29 Arctic Parkway, PO Box 420 Mail Code 29-01, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Technical guidance for stormwater management measures can be found in the documents listed below, which are available to download from the Department's website at: http://www.nj.gov/dep/stormwater/bmp_manual2.htm.
1. 
Guidelines for stormwater management measures are contained in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, as amended and supplemented. Information is provided on stormwater management measures such as, but not limited to, those listed in Tables 1, 2, and 3.
2. 
Additional maintenance guidance is available on the Department's website at: https://www.njstormwater.org/maintenance_guidance.htm.
b. 
Submissions required for review by the Department should be mailed to: the Division of Water Quality, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Mail Code 401-02B, PO Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Site design features identified under § 19-6.4f above, or alternative designs in accordance with § 19-6.4g above, to prevent discharge of trash and debris from drainage systems shall comply with the following standard to control passage of solid and floatable materials through storm drain inlets. For purposes of this subsection, "solid and floatable materials" means sediment, debris, trash, and other floating, suspended, or settleable solids. For exemptions to this standard see § 19-6.7a2 below.
1. 
Design engineers shall use one of the following grates whenever they use a grate in pavement or another ground surface to collect stormwater from that surface into a storm drain or surface water body under that grate:
(a) 
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) bicycle-safe grate, which is described in Chapter 2.4 of the NJDOT Bicycle Compatible Roadways and Bikeways Planning and Design Guidelines; or
(b) 
A different grate, if each individual clear space in that grate has an area of no more than 7.0 square inches, or is no greater than 0.5 inch across the smallest dimension. Examples of grates subject to this standard include grates in grate inlets, the grate portion (non-curb-opening portion) of combination inlets, grates on storm sewer manholes, ditch grates, trench grates, and grates of spacer bars in slotted drains. Examples of ground surfaces include surfaces of roads (including bridges), driveways, parking areas, bikeways, plazas, sidewalks, lawns, fields, open channels, and stormwater system floors used to collect stormwater from the surface into a storm drain or surface water body.
(c) 
For curb-opening inlets, including curb-opening inlets in combination inlets, the clear space in that curb opening, or each individual clear space if the curb opening has two or more clear spaces, shall have an area of no more than 7.0 square inches, or be no greater than 2.0 inches across the smallest dimension.
2. 
The standard in Subsection a1 above does not apply:
(a) 
Where each individual clear space in the curb opening in existing curb-opening inlet does not have an area of more than 9.0 square inches;
(b) 
Where the municipality agrees that the standards would cause inadequate hydraulic performance that could not practicably be overcome by using additional or larger storm drain inlets;
(c) 
Where flows from the water quality design storm as specified in N.J.A.C. 7:8 are conveyed through any device (e.g., end of pipe netting facility, manufactured treatment device, or a catch basin hood) that is designed, at a minimum, to prevent delivery of all solid and floatable materials that could not pass through one of the following:
(1) 
A rectangular space 4.625 inches long and 1.5 inches wide (this option does not apply for outfall netting facilities); or
(2) 
A bar screen having a bar spacing of 0.5 inch.
(3) 
Note that these exemptions do not authorize any infringement of requirements in the Residential Site Improvement Standards for bicycle-safe grates in new residential development [N.J.A.C. 5:21-4.18(b)2 and 5:21-7.4(b)1].
(d) 
Where flows are conveyed through a trash rack that has parallel bars with one-inch spacing between the bars, to the elevation of the Water Quality Design Storm as specified in N.J.A.C. 7:8; or
(e) 
Where the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection determines, pursuant to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:4-7.2(c), that action to meet this standard is an undertaking that constitutes an encroachment or will damage or destroy the New Jersey Register listed historic property.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
This section sets forth requirements to protect public safety through the proper design and operation of stormwater management BMPs. This section applies to any new stormwater management BMP.
b. 
The provisions of this section are not intended to preempt more stringent municipal or county safety requirements for new or existing stormwater management BMPs. Municipal and county stormwater management plans and ordinances may, pursuant to their authority, require existing stormwater management BMPs to be retrofitted to meet one or more of the safety standards in § 19-6.8C1, 2, and 3 for trash racks, overflow grates, and escape provisions at outlet structures.
c. 
Requirements for trash racks, overflow grates and escape provisions.
1. 
A trash rack is a device designed to catch trash and debris and prevent the clogging of outlet structures. Trash racks shall be installed at the intake to the outlet from the stormwater management BMP to ensure proper functioning of the BMP outlets in accordance with the following:
(a) 
The trash rack shall have parallel bars, with no greater than six-inch spacing between the bars;
(b) 
The trash rack shall be designed so as not to adversely affect the hydraulic performance of the outlet pipe or structure;
(c) 
The average velocity of flow through a clean trash rack is not to exceed 2.5 feet per second under the full range of stage and discharge. Velocity is to be computed on the basis of the net area of opening through the rack; and
(d) 
The trash rack shall be constructed of rigid, durable, and corrosion-resistant material and designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 pounds per square foot.
2. 
An overflow grate is designed to prevent obstruction of the overflow structure. If an outlet structure has an overflow grate, such grate shall meet the following requirements:
(a) 
The overflow grate shall be secured to the outlet structure but removable for emergencies and maintenance.
(b) 
The overflow grate spacing shall be no less than two inches across the smallest dimension.
(c) 
The overflow grate shall be constructed and installed to be rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant, and shall be designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 pounds per square foot.
3. 
Stormwater management BMPs shall include escape provisions as follows:
(a) 
If a stormwater management BMP has an outlet structure, escape provisions shall be incorporated in or on the structure. Escape provisions include the installation of permanent ladders, steps, rungs, or other features that provide easily accessible means of egress from stormwater management BMPs. With the prior approval of the municipality pursuant to § 19-6.8c, a freestanding outlet structure may be exempted from this requirement;
(b) 
Safety ledges shall be constructed on the slopes of all new stormwater management BMPs having a permanent pool of water deeper than 2 1/2 feet. Safety ledges shall be comprised of two steps. Each step shall be four feet to six feet in width. One step shall be located approximately 2 1/2 feet below the permanent water surface, and the second step shall be located one foot to 1 1/2 feet above the permanent water surface. See § 19-6.8e for an illustration of safety ledges in a stormwater management BMP; and
(c) 
In new stormwater management BMPs, the maximum interior slope for an earthen dam, embankment, or berm shall not be steeper than three horizontal to one vertical.
d. 
Variance or exemption from safety standard. A variance or exemption from the safety standards for stormwater management BMPs may be granted only upon a written finding by the municipality that the variance or exemption will not constitute a threat to public safety.
e. 
Safety ledge illustration.
Elevation View - Basin Safety Ledge Configuration
019 Safety Ledge Illustration.tif
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Submission of site development stormwater plan.
1. 
Whenever an applicant seeks municipal approval of a development subject to this section, the applicant shall submit all of the required components of the Checklist for the Site Development Stormwater Plan at § 19-6.9c below as part of the submission of the application for approval.
2. 
The applicant shall demonstrate that the project meets the standards set forth in this section.
3. 
The applicant shall submit the requisite number of copies of the materials listed in the Checklist for Site Development Stormwater Plans in accordance with § 19-6.9c of this section.
b. 
Site development stormwater plan approval. The applicant's site development project shall be reviewed as a part of the review process by the municipal board or official from which municipal approval is sought. That municipal board or official shall consult the municipality's review engineer to determine if all of the checklist requirements have been satisfied and to determine if the project meets the standards set forth in this section.
c. 
Submission of site development stormwater plan. The following information shall be required:
1. 
Topographic base map. The reviewing engineer may require upstream tributary drainage system information as necessary. It is recommended that the topographic base map of the site be submitted which extends a minimum of 200 feet beyond the limits of the proposed development, at a scale of one inch equals 200 feet or greater, showing two-foot contour intervals. The map as appropriate may indicate the following: existing surface water drainage, shorelines, steep slopes, soils, erodible soils, perennial or intermittent streams that drain into or upstream of the Category One waters, wetlands and floodplains along with their appropriate buffer strips, marshlands and other wetlands, pervious or vegetative surfaces, existing man-made structures, roads, bearing and distances of property lines, and significant natural and man-made features not otherwise shown.
2. 
Environmental site analysis. A written and graphic description of the natural and man-made features of the site and its surroundings should be submitted. This description should include a discussion of soil conditions, slopes, wetlands, waterways and vegetation on the site. Particular attention should be given to unique, unusual, or environmentally sensitive features and to those that provide particular opportunities or constraints for development.
3. 
Project description and site plans. A map (or maps) at the scale of the topographical base map indicating the location of existing and proposed buildings roads, parking areas, utilities, structural facilities for stormwater management and sediment control, and other permanent structures. The map(s) shall also clearly show areas where alterations will occur in the natural terrain and cover, including lawns and other landscaping, and seasonal high groundwater elevations. A written description of the site plan and justification for proposed changes in natural conditions shall also be provided.
4. 
Land use planning and source control plan. This plan shall provide a demonstration of how the goals and standards of §§ 19-6.3 through 19-6.5 are being met. The focus of this plan shall be to describe how the site is being developed to meet the objective of controlling groundwater recharge, stormwater quality and stormwater quantity problems at the source by land management and source controls whenever possible.
5. 
Stormwater management facilities map. The following information, illustrated on a map of the same scale as the topographic base map, shall be included:
(a) 
Total area to be disturbed, paved or built upon, proposed surface contours, land area to be occupied by the stormwater management facilities and the type of vegetation thereon, and details of the proposed plan to control and dispose of stormwater.
(b) 
Details of all stormwater management facility designs, during and after construction, including discharge provisions, discharge capacity for each outlet at different levels of detention and emergency spillway provisions with maximum discharge capacity of each spillway.
6. 
Calculations.
(a) 
Comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic design calculations for the predevelopment and post-development conditions for the design storms specified in § 19-6.4 of this section.
(b) 
When the proposed stormwater management control measures depend on the hydrologic properties of soils or require certain separation from the seasonal high-water table, then a soils report shall be submitted. The soils report shall be based on on-site boring logs or soil pit profiles. The number and location of required soil borings or soil pits shall be determined based on what is needed to determine the suitability and distribution of soils present at the location of the control measure.
7. 
Maintenance and repair plan. The design and planning of the stormwater management facility shall meet the maintenance requirements of § 19-6.10.
8. 
Waiver from submission requirements. The municipal official or board reviewing an application under this section may, in consultation with the municipality's review engineer, waive submission of any of the requirements in § 19-6.9c1 through 6 of this section when it can be demonstrated that the information requested is impossible to obtain or it would create a hardship on the applicant to obtain and its absence will not materially affect the review process.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Applicability. Projects subject to review as in § 19-6.1c of this section shall comply with the requirements of § 19-6.10b and c.
b. 
General maintenance.
1. 
The design engineer shall prepare a maintenance plan for the stormwater management measures incorporated into the design of a major development.
2. 
The maintenance plan shall contain specific preventative maintenance tasks and schedules; cost estimates, including estimated cost of sediment, debris, or trash removal; and the name, address, and telephone number of the person or persons responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance (including replacement). The plan shall contain information on BMP location, design, ownership, maintenance tasks and frequencies, and other details as specified in Chapter 8 of the NJ BMP Manual, as well as the tasks specific to the type of BMP, as described in the applicable chapter containing design specifics.
3. 
If the maintenance plan identifies a person other than the property owner (for example, a developer, a public agency or homeowners' association) as having the responsibility for maintenance, the plan shall include documentation of such person's or entity's agreement to assume this responsibility, or of the owner's obligation to dedicate a stormwater management facility to such person under an applicable ordinance or regulation.
4. 
Responsibility for maintenance shall not be assigned or transferred to the owner or tenant of an individual property in a residential development or project, unless such owner or tenant owns or leases the entire residential development or project. The individual property owner may be assigned incidental tasks, such as weeding of a green infrastructure BMP, provided the individual agrees to assume these tasks; however, the individual cannot be legally responsible for all of the maintenance required.
5. 
If the party responsible for maintenance identified under § 19-6.10b3 above is not a public agency, the maintenance plan and any future revisions based on § 19-6.10b7 below shall be recorded upon the deed of record for each property on which the maintenance described in the maintenance plan must be undertaken.
6. 
Preventative and corrective maintenance shall be performed to maintain the functional parameters (storage volume, infiltration rates, inflow/outflow capacity, etc.) of the stormwater management measure, including, but not limited to, repairs or replacement to the structure; removal of sediment, debris, or trash; restoration of eroded areas; snow and ice removal; fence repair or replacement; restoration of vegetation; and repair or replacement of nonvegetated linings.
7. 
The party responsible for maintenance identified under § 19-6.10b3 above shall perform all of the following requirements:
(a) 
Maintain a detailed log of all preventative and corrective maintenance for the structural stormwater management measures incorporated into the design of the development, including a record of all inspections and copies of all maintenance-related work orders;
(b) 
Evaluate the effectiveness of the maintenance plan at least once per year and adjust the plan and the deed as needed; and
(c) 
Retain and make available, upon request by any public entity with administrative, health, environmental, or safety authority over the site, the maintenance plan and the documentation required by § 19-6.10b6 and 7 above.
8. 
The requirements of § 19-6.10b3 and 4 do not apply to stormwater management facilities that are dedicated to and accepted by the municipality or another governmental agency, subject to all applicable municipal stormwater general permit conditions, as issued by the Department.
9. 
In the event that the stormwater management facility becomes a danger to public safety or public health, or if it is in need of maintenance or repair, the municipality shall so notify the responsible person in writing. Upon receipt of that notice, the responsible person shall have 14 days to effect maintenance and repair of the facility in a manner that is approved by the Municipal Engineer or his designee. The municipality, in its discretion, may extend the time allowed for effecting maintenance and repair for good cause. If the responsible person fails or refuses to perform such maintenance and repair, the municipality or county may immediately proceed to do so and shall bill the cost thereof to the responsible person. Nonpayment of such bill may result in a lien on the property.
c. 
Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the municipality in which the major development is located from requiring the posting of a performance or maintenance guarantee in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
a. 
Any person who erects, constructs, alters, repairs, converts, maintains, or uses any building, structure or land in violation of this section shall be subject to the following penalties:
1. 
First offense, up to $1,000 fine or six months in jail.
2. 
Second offense or any subsequent offense, up to $1,250 fine or six months in jail.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the Moonachie Construction Code Official of the Borough of Moonachie.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
Each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase of this section is declared to be an independent section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase, and the finding or holding of any such portion of this section to be unconstitutional, void, or ineffective for any cause, or reason, shall not affect any other portion of this section.
[Added 7-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4]
This section shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption and any publication as required by law.