Paterson, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure located in an A, AE, AO or AH zone shall have the lowest floor, including basement together with the attendant utilities (including all electrical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other service equipment) and sanitary facilities, elevated at or above the more restrictive of the following:

(1) For A or AE zones:

(a) Base flood elevation (published FIS/FIRM) plus one foot;

(b) The best available flood hazard data elevation plus one foot;

(c) As required by ASCE/SEI 24-14, Table 2-1; or

(d) As required by N.J.A.C. 7:13-3.

(2) For AO or AH zones on the municipality's FIRM, to elevate above the depth number specified in feet plus one foot, above the highest adjacent grade (at least three feet if no depth number is specified), and require adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.

(3) Record the method and elevation used above and the best available flood hazard design data elevation, date and revision in the local development permit.

B.