Old Bridge, NJ Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 198, "Flood Damage Prevention," was adopted by the Township Council 8-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-18, repealing the prior 2014 version. Section 198-3.2 establishes the township's flood hazard areas by reference to "a scientific and engineering report entitled Flood Insurance Study, Middlesex County, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions) dated July 6, 2010," together with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective the same date, on file with the Department of Community Development at 1 Old Bridge Plaza. Because New Jersey's Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.A.C.

7:13) can regulate a wider area than FEMA's federal maps, the ordinance directs that the more restrictive of the two data sources governs a given parcel. Section 198-5.1 requires that "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" before grading, filling, building, or otherwise developing land in a mapped zone; a building permit alone is not enough if the Floodplain Administrator determines a separate floodplain development permit applies.

The Zoning Officer serves as Floodplain Administrator under § 198-4.1 and coordinates with the Construction Official on substantial-improvement and substantial-damage reviews. Permits expire if work is not started within 180 days or is suspended for 180 days, per § 198-5.4, and the Administrator can suspend or revoke a permit issued in error under § 198-5.5.