Flood Zones: Hackensack vs Ridgewood
How do flood zones rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Hackensack and Ridgewood 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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood adopted Chapter 154 Floodplain Management Regulations by Ordinance 3865 in 2021, governing development inside designated flood hazard areas.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 chapter | - | Chapter 154 |
| Adopting ordinance | - | No. 3865 (2021) |
| CRS rating | - | Class 6 |
| Administrator | - | Village Engineer |
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.
Ridgewood FAQ
How do I find out if my Ridgewood property is in a flood zone?
FEMA flood maps and studies are on file at the Village Engineer's office at 131 North Maple Avenue, and staff can confirm zone status.
Does Ridgewood's CRS rating affect my flood insurance?
Yes. Ridgewood's Class 6 CRS rating provides a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums for properties in designated flood hazard areas.
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