The "Flood Zone Clarification Act" modifies the procedures for delineating flood hazard areas in New Jersey. It mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must set the State's flood hazard area delineation for each watercourse at no more than one foot above the 100-year flood elevation as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This requirement is to be implemented within three months of the bill's effective date and after each subsequent FEMA delineation. The bill also stipulates that any person applying for a permit under the Flood Hazard Area Control Act must adhere to this new delineation standard.

Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on the DEP regarding the adoption of rules and regulations related to flood hazard areas, specifically prohibiting the implementation of the proposed New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT) Rules until June 1, 2038, unless authorized by the Legislature through a concurrent resolution. This aims to limit the DEP's discretion in flood hazard area delineation and prevent the adoption of potentially detrimental regulations that could impact coastal communities and property ownership. The bill is a response to concerns that the DEP's proposed rules could hinder development and negatively affect lower-income families in coastal regions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:16A-52