DEP Press Release:Streamlined Coastal Permitting Process

CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES STREAMLINED COASTAL PERMITTING PROCESS CONSOLIDATION OF RULES WILL MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHILE CUTTING RED TAPE

TRENTON- As part of its commitment to common-sense government, the Christie Administration this week proposed technical revisions to land use rules for coastal areas that will maintain New Jersey's high standards for protection of natural resources while providing more clarity to people who live and work in these areas, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced.

The proposal consolidates the Coastal Zone Management rules and Coastal Permit Program rules to streamline and align them more seamlessly with other DEP land use permitting processes, specifically flood hazard area and freshwater wetlands programs. 

Current Trends in the National Flood Insurance Program

Current Trends in the National Flood Insurance Program

Over the past several years the landscape of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has changed dramatically. After the 2005 hurricane season (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in particular) the NFIP was in a position of financial insolvency, claims were exceeding funds and the program went into debt.

In an effort to address the financial woes congress passed legislation known as the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW 12).  Extending the NFIP for 5 years (through 9/30/2017), this law also changed several major components of the said program. Most notably it changed the way Pre-FIRM and Grandfathered structures were treated. After extended push back from the public and professionals alike a follow up legislation was passed to address BW 12’s shortcomings and overcompensations, this bill is known as the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (HFIAA 14).

The following is a brief comparison of the two, with particular concentration on the changes to Pre-FIRM and Grandfather homes.

Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act

Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act
 On March 21, 2014, President Obama signed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 into law. This law affects many New Jersey properties that are in - or will be in - a high risk Special Flood Hazard Area.   Here is an overview of the new law based on a FEMA assessment.

To check if your property is in a high risk flood zone, of will be in a high risk flood zone when the Advisory maps become law, order a Flood Determination here.  

Property PEEK

Property Peek…
The more you know about your property, the more you know about your world.

This week NJ Property Fax launched our new Property Peek Report.  This is a game changer for homeowners, Realtors, and Buyers and Sellers of New Jersey real estate.  The information provided and insights that can be gained are far reaching.

The report provides important and interesting information about a property – information that can be helpful when buying or selling a home, putting on an addition, applying for a variance, or challenging a tax bill; or for anyone who is simply curious to know more about the property and neighborhood they call home.

Know Your True Flood Status

Superstorm Sandy changed everything for everyone – those impacted by the devastation, those affected by new laws and regulations, and those with concerns about the future. 

Know Your True Flood Status…