December 12, 2022 update: We have combined the former Soil Disturbance Exemption A-1, Soil Disturbance A-2, and Soil Hauling forms into one user-friendly online application. The previous paper applications will no longer be accepted.
Soil Disturbance – Township Code Chapter 14
Disturbing any land by construction, demolition, clearing, grading, transporting, storing, filling, or exposing bare soil by any means are subject to Engineering Department review. Activities 5,000 square feet (SF) or less require a Soil Disturbance Permit. Land disturbance over 5,000 SF are primarily regulated by the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District (SUSCD) located in Bridgewater, NJ, however they may sometimes exempt a project depending on scope. An SUSCD exemption does not guarantee a Township exemption. Any projects over 5,000 SF should apply to SUSCD first.
Basic minimum application requirements and information:
- $100.00 application fee will only be assessed if your project is not exempt from Township review.
- Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) plan, details, and installation sequence schedule are required for soil disturbance over 1,500 SF regardless which agency takes jurisdiction.
- May require topographical survey of existing conditions, grading plan showing how the soil is to be distributed and stabilized, and/or final as-built survey.
Soil Disturbance Exemptions:
- Land disturbances 1,500 SF or less.
- Land disturbances 1,500 SF or less specifically on single-family dwelling properties where the disturbed grade is either less than 10% slope, is not within a Critical Area, and is not within 25 feet of a property line, municipal boundary, right-of-way, or easement.
- If disturbance exceeds 5,000 SF and SUSCD approves the project. Soil Disturbance Permits are still required if SUSCD exempts a project over 5,000 SF.
- Agricultural use of lands (including sod production) when operated in accordance with a farm conservation plan approved by the SUCSD.
- Gardening on property for owners’ consumption.
Soil Hauling – Township Code Chapter 16-5.6
Any quantity of soil or construction materials to be imported to or exported from a property requires a Soil Hauling Permit. We regulate this to help prevent the placement of contaminated soil on your property in order to protect public safety, health, and welfare. Sometimes “fill” that is sold or offered free of charge can be tainted and not suitable for residential or non-residential use.
Basic minimum application requirements and information:
- Number of trucks and hauling route sketch (weight restricted roads and bridges must be avoided).
- May require topographical survey of existing conditions, grading plan showing how the soil is to be distributed and stabilized, and/or final as-built survey.
- Clean Soil testing and certification for compliance with Residential and/or Non-Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards may apply.