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Flood & Stormwater Information

Kristen Rocco, Floodplain Manager / CRS Coordinator
Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8am-3pm
732-793-5105

 

Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL Rule)

The link for offering comments regarding the Notice Of Substantial Change for the REAL Rule, as well as the link for pre-registering for the Public Hearing can be found at https://dep.nj.gov/njreal/nosc/

 

Flood Hazard Information Sessions

The Flood Plain Manager will be available with information and flyers regarding Flood Hazard Information. There will be a table in the lobby of the Municipal Building and the Flood Plain Manager will be available in the building Department office to answer questions and review your property.

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Region 2 Coastal Analysis and Mapping

The Map information and the online Tool, “What is my Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?” is now available on the FEMA Region 2 Coastal Website:
https://r2-coastal-fema.hub.arcgis.com/

 

The Community Rating System

The Borough of Lavallette is currently participating in the Community Rating System (CRS) under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The CRS, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides that a community, who performs specific activities related to flood protection, flood awareness, and flood prevention, can secure reduced flood insurance premiums for all property owners within the community.

This is the Borough’s 20th year of active participation within the program. For 2023 we have acquired a rating of 7 within the program guidelines. If you carry flood insurance, this will result in 15 percent reduction in your annual flood insurance premium. The program benefits all residents by increasing flood protection, awareness, and prevention, as well as, premium reductions for flood insurance policy holders.

 

Discount Eligibility

FEMA has recently initiated a change in the way the Community Rating System (CRS) premium discounts are applied. If you are a flood insurance policy holder, you have been receiving a discount on your flood insurance premium based on the Borough’s involvement in the CRS program. Effective May 1, 2008, FEMA has instituted a new policy. The policy states that flood insurance policies for buildings that are rated as having the lowest floor one foot or more below the base flood elevation will no longer be eligible for the Borough’s CRS discount. Most policy holders will not know why there is an increase because their renewal policy statement may not mention it or their premiums are paid by a mortgage escrow account. However, upon receipt of the payment of the annual renewal, the issued declaration page will have a zero for the CRS discount. If you are notified that the CRS discount has been removed there may be ways to inexpensively retrofit the structure to bring it into compliance. The Borough does maintain copies of all Elevation Certificates that have been filed over the last several years. Copies of the certificates are available for review and should provide the answer as to why the discount was removed. Your insurance agent can also verify how the structure has been rated. It is possible that there is an error in the lowest floor or base flood elevation.

 

Flood Insurance

Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policies do not cover losses due to floods. However, Lavallette is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes it possible for Lavallette Property Owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. This insurance is available to any owner of insurable property (a building or its contents) in Lavallette. Tenants may also insure their personal property against flood loss. The Borough encourages all property owners or renters to carry flood insurance.

The cost of flood insurance will vary depending upon the amount of coverage and the degree of flood hazard. We urge persons who live or own property in Lavallette to purchase flood insurance to protect themselves from losses due to flooding. This insurance is required in certain circumstances, such as the purchase of a home with a federally backed mortgage.

CRITICAL NEW! If there is a Flood-Insurance Policy lapse for any reason (sale, cancellation, etc.), any new policy will be based on the current rating system and will not be “Grand fathered”. In the event of a sale, policyholders must transfer coverage to the purchaser to provide flood insurance coverage at the “Grand fathered” (lower) rate.

Note: There is a 30-day waiting period before most flood insurance policies go into effect.

 

Permit Requirements

Each homeowner is reminded that local construction permits are required for most modifications you may plan for your house. The municipal ordinances and/or codes contain mandatory requirements related to new or modified building construction, certain of which are included to provide protection against flooding. Each homeowner should contact the Municipal Building Department (732) 793-5105 before they build, fill, or otherwise develop any land within the Borough. It is also important, for the protection of the entire community, to notify the Municipal Building Department of any illegal filling of lands or building within the Borough that you might notice. The Lavallette Building Department requires an elevation certificate prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for new or substantially improved structures. Copies of all approved elevation certificates are available at Borough Hall.

 

Drainage Maintenance

The municipal drainage system consists primarily of underground pipelines and catch basins located at street level. The Borough conducts semi-annual inspections of all catch basins under municipal jurisdiction and removes all sand and debris that has accumulated in the structure. The drainage system provides an important function in that it minimizes, where possible, localized flooding caused by rainwater.

The Borough of Lavallette has an anti-liter ordinance, which prohibits the disposal of debris within the Municipality. This ordinance in part is for the purpose of keeping litter out of the municipal storm drainage system. Any violations should be reported to the Borough Hall, Code enforcement Office at (732) 793-5105 or the Police Department.

The storm drainage system carries untreated storm runoff directly to Barnegat Bay. Illegal sanitary tie-in, pet wastes, and discharge of such wastes as oil, paint and fertilizer pollute the water, destroy aquatic plants, endanger wildlife and decrease the beauty of the Bay and Ocean. It is a violation of New Jersey State Law to discharge hazardous substance into the environment (including waste motor oil, petroleum products, pesticides, and herbicides). Any such discharges should be reported to the New Jersey Environmental Hotline at 1-(877) 927-6337.

 

Property Protection Measurers

Every year, flooding in the United States causes more property damage than any other type of natural disaster. In addition, sea levels continue to rise. While improvements in construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flood damage, there are a significant number of existing homes susceptible to flood losses. The flooding to these properties can be minimized through temporary and permanent retrofitting techniques.

One approach is to waterproof your walls and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method should be used on homes with basements or if water will not get over two feet deep.

Another approach is to raise your house above the flood level. Over 400 houses in Lavallette over the last seven years have raised the elevation of their homes above the flood level.

There are various other actions each homeowner can take to flood proof their homes. Electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, and washers and/or dryers should be located at a point in the house that is less likely to be flooded. Interior or exterior backflow water values can be installed or interior floodwalls can be placed around utilities in order to protect these essential services.

If an impending flood is apparent for the area, and time permits, the homeowner should move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the home for protection. Materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber should be kept on hand for emergency waterproofing of your home. The use of these materials for a flood protection may minimize the amount of damage caused by floodwaters. It is unlikely that you get much warning of an imminent flooding situation so a detailed checklist prepared in advance would help ensure your greatest protection.

During a hurricane, homes may be damaged or destroyed by high winds and high waves. Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds inside the home. Roofs, windows, doors, and garage doors should be properly checked.

The Federal Insurance Administration suggests the following action when coastal storms or hurricanes are imminent:

Turn off all electrical power at panel.
Close main gas value.
Move household items to the highest level you can.
Remove cardboard boxes and newspapers as these materials can disintegrate and clog drains and vents.
Keep a full tank of gas in your automobile.

If you leave your home, here are some essentials you should take:

first aid supplies, supply of non-perishable food, batteries (hearing aid, flashlight), battery operated portable radio, blankets, dry clothing, shoes, and socks, important papers, bank and check books, valuable and cherished items, games for children and adults

For further information on this topic, please fell free to contact the Borough’s CRS Coordinator, Kristen Rocco or the Emergency Management Coordinator, Police Chief Christian LaCicero at 732-793-4800.

 

Flood Safety

There are several actions residents of Lavallette can take to decrease the potential for injury due to flooding.

Know the flood warning procedure.
Do not attempt to cross flowing water where water is above your knees.
Keep children away from floodwaters, ditches, culverts, and storm drains.
If your vehicle stalls in high water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
Evacuate the flood hazard areas in times of impending flood or when advised to do so by the police or fire department.
Cut off all electric circuits at the fuse panel or disconnect switch. If this is not possible, turn off or disconnect all electrical appliances.
Shut off the water service and gas values in your home.
Stay away from downed power lines and electric lines. Report downed lines to the Municipal Police Department.
Look out for animals. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in your home.
Clean everything that gets wet. Floodwater may have contacted road chemicals, sewage, and other harmful materials.

Important Note:

In the event of a major disaster or hurricane the only means to identify your home may be through the number affixed to the building. Please make sure your home does have the house number properly placed on the building. The number should be large enough to view from the street and the color of the number should contrast with the color of the home.

 

Flood  / Local Hazard

The Borough of Lavallette is vulnerable to coastal storms and hurricanes. Typically, severe winter storms, or Nor’easters, occur each year between Mid-October and Mid-May. The entire Borough of Lavallette is located in a special flood hazard area and is vulnerable to flooding from the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, as well as, storm surge from hurricanes. As we are all aware, the most recent significant storm occurred in October of 2012, Super Storm Sandy, and caused catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, roads and infrastructure, and the boardwalk and other recreational areas.

 

Natural and Beneficial Functions

The dune and beach areas help reduce damage by mitigating the effects of storm waves.

Without the dunes, oceanfront properties would be exposed to the full force of waves during storm events. The natural and beneficial function of the ocean front dunes cannot be overemphasized. Lavallette Development of Beaches Ordinance (Chapter 8) regulates the beach and dune area, prohibiting virtually all construction and regulating access. What you can do to help:

Stay off the dunes!
Cross dunes only at approved pathways or walkways.
Support in dune maintenance (dune grass planting program).
Report Development of Beaches Ordinance violations.

The Barnegat Bay is a valuable natural resource. It provides habitat for numerous aquatic species. It is also provides many different types of recreational opportunities for those who live in or visit this area. Non-point source pollution, that is pollution from automobiles, construction, fertilizers and pesticides applications, animal waste, litter, and urban runoff, is estimated to contribute up to 60% of our existing pollution problems. All catch basins in Lavallette empty directly into the Barnegat Bay. Your efforts to reduce these types of pollution sources will have a significant impact on the water quality of the Barnegat Bay.

 

Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) Information

The Borough of Lavallette provides inquirers with information from the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, including the flood zone, repetitive loss areas and a property’s base flood elevation. The Borough is also available to perform site visits to offer flood protection assistance. A directory of local officials available to perform site visits is provided below.

 

Local Directory

The following is a list of contact personnel who have the knowledge, experience, and have agreed to discuss flood hazard protection methods with you.

Bureau of Dam Safety and Flood Control:  Rebecca Jones (609) 292-1246

Ocean County Soil Conservation District: Christine Raabe, District Director (609) 971-7002

Borough CRS Coordinator: Kristen Rocco (732) 793-5105

Borough Building Inspector: Tom Brihn (732) 793-5105

Certified Flood Plan Manager: Kristen Rocco (732) 793-5105

Emergency Management Coordinator: Police Chief Christian LaCicero (732) 793-4800

Borough Engineer: Michael O’Donnell (732) 573-0490

FEMA Region II: Jerome Hatfield (212) 680-3600

Army Corps of Engineers (215) 656-6500 

 

Substantial Improvements / Damage Repair

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements of a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must also be brought up to the same standards (e.g. a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation). This requirement is required by the Chapter 31 of the Code of the Borough of Lavallette, Flood Hazard Area Ordinance, and enforced through the Building Permit process.

 

  Flood Warning System

The following Evacuation Plan is designed for evacuation of the Borough of Lavallette in the event of hurricanes or severe flooding:

During the likelihood of an emergency or disaster event the Emergency Management Officials will provide important information.

Emergency notification will be provided via phone, email and text messages through a newly acquired emergency notification / alert  system. Please visit Emergency Notification page for signup information.

Information Disseminated Via Radio. You should turn your radio to one of the following radio stations:

1160 WOBM-AM  -  100.1 WJRZ-FM   -   92.7 WOBM-FM   -   1310 WADB-AM   -   98.5 WKMK-FM

Information Disseminated Via Television Ocean Monmouth Cable TV (Optimum Altice)

If you don’t have access to a radio, call 1-800-792-8314 for the New Jersey State Police Emergency Management Hotline.

Police Department will use their loudspeakers to advise citizens of the emergency and information regarding evacuation routes.

In most events, traffic control positions will be located at the following intersections:
Route 35 North and Ortley Avenue, Route 35 South and New Brunswick Avenue, Bay Boulevard and New Brunswick Avenue.

If you are unable to evacuate please contact the Lavallette Police Department at (732) 793-4800 to arrange your transportation to inland shelter.

Check the Borough’s Website for up-to-date flood warning information and notices.

 

The New Jersey Coastal Coalition

The Borough of Lavallette is an active member of the New Jersey Coastal Coalition, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of floodplain communities and other organizations that are dedicated to flood mitigation on the Jersey Coast.

Organized soon after Super Storm Sandy impacted New Jersey in 2012, the NJ Coastal Coalition’s mission is “to build more resilient communities at the Jersey Shore by developing policies and best practices that will anticipate future concerns and to create solutions to be shared by all participants.”

The Coastal Coalition’s Stakeholders include The Press of Atlantic City, Ocean First Bank, Cape May County Association of Realtors, South Jersey Gas, SJ Hauck Construction / International Association of Structural Movers, and Longport Media. 

Participating Insurance Stakeholders include Thomas H, Heist Insurance Agency, Brown & Brown of New Jersey, McMahon Insurance, Risk Reduction Plus, and J. Byrne Insurance.

To learn more about the New Jersey Coastal Coalition, go to  www.njcoastalcoalition.com

NJFI: https://njflood.info

Tidal Flooding Talk YouTube playlist

 

Additional Resources

National Flood Insurance Program
https://www.floodsmart.gov

FEMA – National Flood Insurance Program
www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program

Ocean County Department of Planning - Resiliency Planning
www.planning.co.ocean.nj.us/frmSRResiliencyPlanning

Ocean County All Hazard Mitigation Plan
Ocean County Hazard Mitigation Website

FEMA Flood Map Service Center
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action | FEMA.gov

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
SPCC Plan

Clean Water New Jersey
dep.nj.gov/cleanwaternj/

New Jersey Green Infrastructure Resources
www.nj.gov/dep/gi/

New Jersey Stormwater Management Rule
dep.nj.gov/stormwater/

Rutgers Cooperative Extension
njaes.rutgers.edu/extension/

Private Stormwater Facilities Education
dep.nj.gov/stormwater/maintenance-guidance/