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Cherry Hill, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Cherry Hill, NJ, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Governing chapter: Township Code Ch. 12, adopted 2023
NFIP entry date: August 15, 1978
Permit issuer: Floodplain Administrator, Dept. of Community Development
Permit expiration: 180 days if work not started
Base penalty: Up to $1,250 fine, 90 days
Illegal dumping penalty: $2,500 to $10,000 fine

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Cherry Hill, NJ on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Cherry Hill Township requires a floodplain development permit for any construction, grading, filling or land disturbance in a mapped flood hazard area under Chapter 12 of the Township Code. The Floodplain Administrator in the Department of Community Development reviews and issues these permits.

Any person, owner or authorized agent who intends to conduct any development in a flood hazard area shall first make application to the Floodplain Administrator and shall obtain the required permit. Depending on the nature and extent of proposed development that includes a building or structure, the Floodplain Administrator may determine that a floodplain development permit or approval is required in addition to a building permit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 12, the Floodplain Management Regulations of the Township of Cherry Hill, adopted by Ordinance No. 2023-6 on July 10, 2023, applies to all development in flood hazard areas established under § 12-102, including subdivision of land, site improvements, utility installation, placement of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles, new construction, additions, and substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage to existing buildings. C. 7:13, for state-regulated waters with drainage areas of 50 acres or more, including the South Branch Pennsauken Creek and Cropwell Brook. Maps and studies establishing these areas are on file at the Department of Community Development, 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.

1, anyone intending development in a flood hazard area must first apply to the Floodplain Administrator, who may require a floodplain development permit in addition to any building permit. 2 must describe the development and site, state the intended use and occupancy, include a site plan and construction documents, and state the valuation of the proposed work. 4. 5.

Violations & Fines

Building or developing in a flood hazard area without complying with Chapter 12 violates N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 and carries 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 noncompliance a separate offense. A repeat violation within one year draws an added fine set by the court. Unlawfully disposing of solid waste in a floodway or floodplain carries a separate fine of at least $2,500 up to $10,000 under § 12-101.8.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build in a Cherry Hill Township flood hazard area?

Yes. Section 12-104.1 requires anyone conducting development in a flood hazard area to first apply to the Floodplain Administrator and obtain a floodplain development permit, which may be required in addition to a standard building permit.

How does Cherry Hill Township determine which areas are flood hazard areas?

Under § 12-102.2, the Township uses the FEMA Flood Insurance Study Number 34007CV001C and its Flood Insurance Rate Maps, plus NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Control Act mapping for state-regulated waters with 50 or more acres of drainage, including local waterways like Cropwell Brook.

What happens if I develop in a flood zone without a permit in Cherry Hill?

Section 12-101.8 makes it a violation under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, punishable by a fine up to $1,250, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, with each day of the violation counted separately.

How long is a Cherry Hill floodplain development permit valid?

Under § 12-104.4, the permit becomes invalid if the work is not started within 180 days of issuance or is suspended for 180 days, though the Floodplain Administrator can grant written extensions of up to 180 days at a time.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cherry Hill

Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: FireworksSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions

All Cherry Hill rules

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