Flood Zones: Hackensack vs Mahwah
How do flood zones rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Hackensack and Mahwah have similar restriction levels.
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 →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Chapter 27 Flood Prevention requires development permits in special flood hazard areas mapped on the August 2019 Bergen County Flood Insurance Study for Community No. 340049.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Reference | - | Chapter 27 Flood Prevention |
| Last Amended | - | June 27, 2019 |
| Ordinance No. | - | 1878 |
| FIS Date | - | August 28, 2019 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Mahwah FAQ
Do I need a flood permit in Mahwah?
Yes. Chapter 27 requires a development permit before any construction or development within a special flood hazard area mapped for Community No. 340049.
Who hears flood ordinance appeals?
The Mahwah Planning Board hears appeals and decides variance requests from the requirements of Chapter 27.
Compare other topics
See how Hackensack and Mahwah compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool