Mahwah is taking the Ramapough Mountain Indians to court in its latest effort to remove structures that were erected last year in a flood plain and conservation zone.

Camping tents, teepees, pop-up tents, a canvas cabin and a wood structure with a roof, floor and cabinets were set up at 95 Halifax Road near the banks of the Ramapo River in November, and are being occupied on a permanent basis, according to a civil court filing this week in Bergen County Superior Court.

"We filed this action for zoning violations on this property as we would for any other resident violating our zoning laws," Mayor Bill Laforet said. "We're treating them exactly the same."

The property, which is owned by the Ramapoughs, is at the base of a neighborhood known as the Polo Club, an enclave of million-dollar homes off Route 202. The parcel last sold in 1995 for $1, according to property records.

In December, a month after the structures appeared, the township issued two summonses to the Ramapoughs for failing to obtain zoning permits and soil movement without approval. The township then gave the group sixty days -- until March 12 -- to submit zoning and site plan applications.

Permitted uses within the conservation zone include public open space, hiking, horse back riding, agriculture, single-family residences and municipal facilities, according to the legal filing.

A zoning application was submitted April 6 and denied on April 13. Then, on April 26, the Ramapoughs had lumber delivered to the property and began building a stage or platform at the north end of the site, in a flood plain.

The township is seeking an injunction.

"By blatantly ignoring the Township Zoning Ordinance and Flood Hazard Area Control Act, the defendant is jeopardizing the safety of the Township's citizenry," the court filing says.

The 13.6 acre property is referred to by the Ramapoughs as a prayer camp, named Split Rock Sweet Water.

An attorney for the tribe has previously said that the group's religious rights are protected from zoning discrimination by federal law.

Ramapough Lenape Chief Dwaine Perry could not be reached immediately for comment.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.