Irvington, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Irvington, NJ, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Key Facts
- NFIP participation date
- April 10, 2007
- Floodplain Administrator
- Township Engineer
- Base fine
- Up to $1,500 or 90 days
- Cure period before enhanced fine
- 30 days
- Illegal floodway dumping fine
- Up to $10,000
- Variance authority
- Essex County Construction Board of Appeals
Summary
No structure or land in an Irvington flood hazard area may be built, extended, converted or altered without a floodplain development permit and full compliance with Chapter 313. The Township joined the National Flood Insurance Program on April 10, 2007, and violations carry fines up to $1,500 plus possible jail time or community service.
No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, relocated to, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violation of the provisions of this chapter by failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with conditions) shall constitute a violation under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Any person who violates this chapter or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall be subject to one or more of the following: a fine of not more than $1,500, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days. ... The Township of Irvington was accepted for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program on April 10, 2007.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4996945; v39 updated 2026-07-13; through 07-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 313, Flood Damage Prevention, adopted in 2023 to replace an earlier 2007 ordinance, applies alongside the Uniform Construction Code and the state Flood Hazard Area Control Act to all proposed development in flood hazard areas established under § 313-102. Covered development spans subdivision of land, site improvements and utility installation, placement of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles, new construction and additions, substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage, tank installation, and temporary structures and storage. Section 313-104 requires a floodplain development permit from the Floodplain Administrator, a role the Township Engineer holds, before any such work begins; the Administrator can require a separate building permit as well. 2. Irvington was accepted into the National Flood Insurance Program on April 10, 2007. 4.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a structure in a flood hazard area without complying with Chapter 313 is a violation of N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, punishable by a fine of up to $1,500, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days' community service, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. Owners get a 30-day cure period before a fine above $1,500 can be imposed, and unlawfully dumping solid waste in a floodway or floodplain draws a separate fine of up to $10,000 under the same state statute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in an Irvington flood hazard area?
What happens if I build in an Irvington flood zone without a permit?
Who decides Irvington's flood hazard area variances?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irvington
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Essex County handle flood zones.