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

Key Facts

Applies to: FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas
Permit required: Local development permit before construction
Issuing official: Construction Official
FEMA community #: 340404

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 Paterson, 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 Paterson, NJ on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

Any construction in Paterson's FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas needs a local development permit before work begins.

This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.
§ 219-7. Basis for establishing areas of special flood hazard.
A. The areas of special flood hazard for the City of Paterson, Community No. 340404, are identified and defined on the following documents prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
(1) A scientific and engineering report "Flood Insurance Study, Passaic County, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions)," dated September 28, 2007.
(2) "Flood Insurance Rate Map for Passaic County, New Jersey (All Jurisdictions)" as shown on Index and Panel Numbers 34031C0209G, 34031C0212G, 34031C0214G, 34031C0216G, 34031C0217G, 34031C0218G, 34031C0219G, whose effective date is April 17, 2020. [Amended 3-10-2020 by Ord. No. 20-014]
(3) Best available flood hazard data. These documents shall take precedence over effective panels and FIS in construction and development regulations only. Where the effective mapping or base flood elevation conflict or overlap with the best available flood hazard data, whichever imposes the more stringent requirement shall prevail. [Added 3-10-2020 by Ord. No. 20-014]
B. The above documents are hereby adopted and declared to be a part of this chapter. The Flood Insurance Study and maps are on file at 155 Market St., Paterson, NJ 07505-1408.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 219 applies to all areas of special flood hazard within Paterson, Passaic County, as identified on FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map for Passaic County (Community No. 340404, panels effective April 17, 2020). A local development permit from the Construction Official is required before any construction or development, including placement of manufactured homes, begins within a mapped special flood hazard area, and applications must show the site's flood design class, elevations, and existing or proposed structures and fill.

Violations & Fines

Beginning construction, relocation, or fill work in a mapped special flood hazard area without a development permit violates Chapter 219, punishable by a fine up to $1,250, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, plus costs and expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Paterson define its flood hazard areas?

By reference to FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map for Passaic County, adopted into Chapter 219 by § 219-7.

What triggers the need for a Paterson floodplain development permit?

Any construction or development, including manufactured home placement, within a mapped area of special flood hazard, per § 219-12.

Sources & Official References

[1]Paterson City Code § 219-6, § 219-7 (eCode360)

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