Borough of Lavallette, Flood Protection and Coastal Storm Safety

Flood Map
Flood Insurance Rate Map Pdf File

Floodplain Review Form Pdf File

Replacement Storm Water Management Code

Ordinance No. 2021-04(1211) Storm Water Management Pdf File

External Link

FEMA BFE (Base Flood Elevation)
Lookup Tool External Link

Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action | FEMA.gov External Link

Ocean County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Ocean County Hazard Mitigation Website External Link

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

Home
Flood and Storm Water Information

Flood & Storm Water Information

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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NJDEP Released Study of Coastal Storm Resilience Measures to Protect New Jersey Back Bays from Extreme Weather and are Inviting Comments

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently released draft study results and a tentative plan for coastal storm resilience measures intended to protect the NJ shore from extreme weather and rising sea levels.

The public and stakeholders are invited to provide comments by October 12, 2021. The Army Corps will host virtual public meetings to discuss the report and answer questions on Sept. 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Webinar details and instructions can be found on the study webpage at: https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/New-Jersey-Back-Bays-Study/ External Link

Substantial Damage Mitigation Deadline is Approaching

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), homes determined by the floodplain administrator to be substantially damaged were allowed six years from the date of the event to comply with the requirement to elevate.

On April 11, 2018, that deadline was again extended by FEMA to nine years from the date of the event or October 29, 2021.

Download letter regarding deadline. Pdf File

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.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Preliminary Maps

The Preliminary Map information is now available on the FEMA Region 2 Coastal Website:
www.Region2Coastal.com External Link

The online Tool, “What is my Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?” is also available on
www.Region2Coastal.com for residents and property owners.

Lavallette Preliminary Maps PDF presentation Pdf File

Website:
www.Region2Coastal.com External Link
The online Tool, “What is my Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?” is also available on
www.Region2Coastal.com for residents and property owners.

Additional Resources

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

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

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

Ocean County All Hazard Mitigation Plan
Ocean County Hazard Mitigation Website External Link

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

National Flood Insurance Program and Implementation of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act ant the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is providing information on additional steps underway to implement changes to the program as a result of the 2012 and 2014 flood insurance reform legislation. The guidance on the changes being implemented will bring rates into compliance with the new laws beginning April 1, 2014.

The NFIP provides the opportunity for homeowners, renters, and business to purchase flood insurance for protection from flooding. FEMA also works with communities to update and develop flood maps to inform the community of their current flood risk. These actions allow community members to take important steps to prepare for flooding risk in their area.

President Obama signed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) of 2014 into law. This law repeals and amends certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-Waters) and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

The new law slows some flood insurance rate increases and offers relief to some policyholders who experienced steep flood insurance premium increases in 2013 and early 2014.

The NFIP is in the process of implementing congressionally mandated reforms with the Program’s private sector, Write Your Own insurance company partners. Specifically, the flood insurance rate structure and business practices are being further revised to implement certain provisions of the legislations. Changes taking place in April 2015 include: annual rate increases for policies to support the gradual move to full risk rates; an increase in the Reserve Fund Assessment; implementation of an annual surcharge on all new and renewed policies; an additional deductible option; a one year preferred policy for policyholders who took part in a new flood map or revision; and an increase in the Federal Policy Fee.

The attached Backgrounder provides detailed information on the program changes taking place in April 1, 2015. Additional information can be found in the latest Bulletins provided to the NFIP’s private sector Write Your Own insurance partners at www.NFIPiService.com.

Backgrounder Pdf File

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 sixteenth year of active participation within the program. For 2014 we have acquired a rating of 6 within the program guidelines. If you carry flood insurance, this will result in 20 percent reduction in your annual flood insurance premium. This is double the amount of savings from the previous year. 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, Douglas Erb or the Emergency Management Coordinator, Police Chief Colin Grant 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.

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: Doug Erb (732) 793-5105

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

Certified Flood Plan Manager: Doug Erb (732) 793-5105

Emergency Management Coordinator: Police Chief Colin Grant (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

Additional information concerning flood protection assistance is available on the following websites as well as the Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library:

www.fema.gov/business/nfip www.lavallette.org

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 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.

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.

Flood Map

A sample copy of the Borough’s Flood Map is included on this page. The actual Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review at the Flood Plain Mangers Office. The Borough is located in a Coastal A Zone.

Download: Flood Map Pdf File