Flood Zones: Fair Lawn vs Hackensack
How do flood zones rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Hackensack, NJ?
Fair Lawn and Hackensack have similar restriction levels.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Fair Lawn regulates construction in special flood hazard areas, requiring elevation, anchoring, and permits to comply with NFIP and state flood standards.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Hackensack regulates development in flood hazard areas under Chapter 89 of the City Code, originally adopted December 6, 1982 and amended in its entirety on August 20, 2019. The chapter implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50 et seq. / N.J.A.C. 7:13), and Uniform Construction Code flood provisions for properties along the Hackensack River and adjacent areas.
View full Hackensack rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Hackensack |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Permit | Required in SFHA | - |
| Elevation Standard | At or above BFE | - |
| Substantial Improvement | Triggers full compliance | - |
| Program | NFIP participation | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | Hackensack Code Ch. 89 (adopted 12/6/1982; amended 8/20/2019) |
| State Law | - | Flood Hazard Area Control Act, N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50 |
| State Rules | - | N.J.A.C. 7:13 (NJDEP) |
| Federal Program | - | NFIP / FEMA FIRMs |
| Cumulative Rise Limit | - | 0.2 ft above base flood (no designated floodway) |
| Anchoring | - | Required for all new construction and substantial improvements |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
How do I know if my Fair Lawn property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map or contact the Borough Floodplain Administrator. Properties near the Passaic River are most likely to be affected.
Do I need a permit to renovate a home in a flood zone?
Yes. Any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a flood development permit and must meet elevation and construction standards.
Hackensack FAQ
How do I find out if my Hackensack property is in a flood zone?
Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to view the current FIRM panel. Chapter 89 of the Hackensack Code applies to any property within a Special Flood Hazard Area shown on those maps.
Do I need both a city and a state permit?
Often, yes. Local floodplain development permits are issued under Chapter 89, but development that affects regulated waters or flood hazard areas may also require a permit from NJDEP under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act and N.J.A.C. 7:13.
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