Hamilton, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Hamilton Code § 536-13
- Standard freeboard
- 1 foot above base data
- AO Zone default
- 3 feet above adjacent grade
- Class IV critical facilities
- +2 feet freeboard (ASCE 24)
- Class III critical facilities
- +1 foot freeboard (ASCE 24)
Summary
Hamilton Township sets a local design flood elevation under Code Section 536-13 that adds at least one foot of freeboard above the base flood data, with two feet required for critical facilities like hospitals or emergency services in the highest-risk category.
§ 536-13. Local design flood elevation (LDFE) established. The local design flood elevation (LDFE) is established in the flood hazard areas determined in § 536-12 above, using the best available flood hazard data sources, and the Flood Hazard Area Control Act minimum statewide elevation requirements for lowest floors in A, Coastal A, and V Zones, ASCE 24 requirements for critical facilities as specified by the Building Code, plus additional freeboard as specified by this chapter... D. 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 536-13 establishes the local design flood elevation (LDFE) for the Township's flood hazard areas using the best available flood hazard data from Section 536-12, the state 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. C. 7:13, sealed by a licensed professional engineer, plus one foot of freeboard and any additional ASCE 24 freeboard. In Zone AO areas, the LDFE is the highest adjacent grade plus the FIRM's specified 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, while Class III critical facilities in coastal high hazard areas get the same benchmark elevation plus one foot of freeboard.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required local design flood elevation without Floodplain Administrator approval is a violation of Chapter 536 under Section 536-8, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment or community service, and a separate penalty for each day the noncompliance continues past the 30-day cure period afforded to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Hamilton Township require above base flood elevation?
What elevation applies in a Hamilton Township Zone AO area with no depth number?
Do hospitals get a higher freeboard requirement in Hamilton Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton
Compare Hamilton to another location·View the New Jersey environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.