As a Professional Planner, I live the nightmare of navigating the Pinelands CMP nearly every day. In 2023 the Commission adopted new stormwater management rules that are far more stringent than the State's rules for areas outside of Pinelands. Clearing of more than 5,000 s.f. is now is now defined as major development. (see NJAC 7:50-2.11 attached) Outside of Pinelands, major development is defined as disturbances of more than 1 acre or more than 0.25 acres of new impervious surfaces.
Another real doozy is just 1,000 s.f. of new motor vehicle surface (i.e. driveway) requires stormwater management. And, you now have to manage the roof runoff for any development of 1-4 dwelling units. The grading plans that we now prepare for a single home in the Pinelands area are now bordering on being full-blown site plans. Drainage design is required for the roof and it it is a large property with a long driveway, we have to design stormwater management measures for that too. All of this is becoming very costly for our clients.
I am attaching the current CMP. Read 2.11 for definitions and then wade through 6.81 thru 6.84 for stormwater rules..
Piney Warden is offering very good advice. Start with the Tabernacle Township Zoning Officer, I am sure he will be more responsive and helpful than what you will encounter if you jumped right into the Pinelands regulatory vortex.
Scott