Clifton, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Clifton, NJ, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- Chapter adopted
- Sept. 5, 2023, Ord. No. 7845-23
- NFIP entry date
- June 15, 1982
- Governing FEMA study
- Passaic County FIS, eff. April 17, 2020
- Standard violation fine
- Up to $1,250 plus jail/community service
- Illegal dumping fine
- Up to $10,000 under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5
Summary
Clifton's Floodplain Management Regulations require any development in a flood hazard area to comply with the Uniform Construction Code and the state Flood Hazard Area Control Act, using the most restrictive of FEMA and NJDEP mapping to define the regulated area.
§ 239-2. Scope. These regulations, in combination with the flood provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and FHACA shall apply to all proposed development in flood hazard areas established in Article II of these regulations... § 239-11. Establishment of flood hazard areas. A. The City of Clifton was accepted for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program on June 15, 1982. ...the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map, most recent preliminary FEMA mapping and flood studies, and Department delineations be compared to determine the most restrictive mapping.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 239, adopted September 5, 2023 by Ordinance No. C. C. 7:13 (§§ 239-1, 239-2). 22 (§ 239-3). Clifton entered the NFIP on June 15, 1982, and the flood hazard area is defined by comparing the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map, the most recent preliminary FEMA mapping, and NJDEP flood hazard area delineations, applying whichever is most restrictive; maps are on file at the City Engineer's Office, 900 Clifton Avenue (§ 239-11). The effective flood insurance study cited is the FEMA study for Passaic County, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions), dated April 17, 2020, with panels listed in Table 1 (§ 239-11C(1)).
These regulations supersede conflicting ordinances in flood hazard areas but do not repeal other land development, subdivision, zoning or stormwater regulations; where they conflict with another ordinance, the more restrictive rule governs (§ 239-9).
Violations & Fines
Constructing, relocating, extending, converting or altering a structure or land without full compliance is a violation subject to a fine up to $1,250, imprisonment up to 90 days, or community service up to 90 days, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense, though owners get a 30-day cure period and a hearing before a higher fine is imposed (§ 239-8). Unlawfully disposing of solid waste in a floodway or floodplain draws a separate fine of up to $2,500, or up to $10,000 under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 (§ 239-8.1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs flood hazard area development in Clifton?
How does Clifton determine which areas are flood hazard areas?
What is the penalty for building in a Clifton flood hazard area without complying?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle flood zones.