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🌍 Environmental Rules/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

Heavy Restrictions

Bergen County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program through its municipalities. Flood hazard areas are regulated by NJDEP under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act, with stricter freeboard requirements after 2024 amendments.

View full Hackensack rules →

Mahwah, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

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

FactHackensackMahwah
StatuteN.J.S.A. 58:16A-50-
RuleN.J.A.C. 7:13-
FreeboardTwo feet above DFE-
Major basinsPassaic, Hackensack, Saddle-
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

What is the new freeboard requirement in Bergen County?

Under the 2024 Inland Flood Protection Rule, structures in flood hazard areas must be elevated at least two feet above the design flood elevation, using climate-adjusted maps.

Do I need a state flood permit for residential work?

Possibly. NJDEP requires Flood Hazard Area Permits for construction, fill, or vegetation removal within regulated flood hazard or riparian zones. Check with NJDEP Land Use.

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.

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