Cherry Hill, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood data
- Critical facility (Class IV) freeboard
- 2 feet above 500-year/FHACA elevation
- Critical facility (Class III) freeboard
- 1 foot in coastal high-hazard areas
- Zone AO default
- 3 feet above highest adjacent grade
- Adopted by
- Ordinance No. 2023-6, July 10, 2023
- Enforcing officer
- Floodplain Administrator
Summary
Cherry Hill Township sets a Local Design Flood Elevation (LDFE) above the mapped or state flood elevation for new construction and substantial improvements, adding at least one foot of freeboard, with two feet required for Class IV critical facilities under § 12-102.3.
At a minimum, the Local Design Flood Elevation shall be as follows: 1. For a delineated watercourse, the elevation associated with the Best Available Flood Hazard Data Area determined in § 12-102.2, above plus one foot or as described by N.J.A.C. 7:13 of freeboard... 4. ... Class IV Critical Facilities. For any proposed development of new and substantially improved Flood Design Class IV Critical Facilities, the Local Design Flood Elevation must be the higher of the 0.2% annual chance (500-year) flood elevation or the Flood Hazard Area Design Flood Elevation with an additional two feet of freeboard in accordance with ASCE 24.
Full Breakdown
3, added by Ordinance No. 2, the Flood Hazard Area Control Act's minimum statewide elevation requirements for A, Coastal A and V zones, and ASCE 24 requirements for critical facilities, plus additional freeboard set by the chapter. C. 7:13, whichever applies. C. 3. In Zone AO areas, the LDFE is the highest adjacent grade plus the FIRM panel's depth number plus one foot of freeboard, or three feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. 2%-annual-chance (500-year) flood elevation or the Flood Hazard Area Design Flood Elevation plus two feet of freeboard under ASCE 24, and Class III critical facilities in coastal high-hazard areas get the same 500-year/FHACA comparison plus one foot of freeboard. C. 3.
Violations & Fines
Constructing below the required Local Design Flood Elevation violates Chapter 12 and N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, exposing the property owner to a fine of not more than $1,250, imprisonment up to 90 days, or up to 90 days of community service, with each day of the deficiency treated as a separate violation. A repeat offense within one year adds a further court-set fine on top of the base penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Cherry Hill Township require above base flood elevation?
Does Cherry Hill require extra freeboard for critical facilities?
What elevation applies in a Zone AO area in Cherry Hill?
Who determines the Local Design Flood Elevation for a Cherry Hill property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cherry Hill
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