In accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Requirements, the Borough of Essex Fells is adopting an ordinance regarding Floodplain management that will take effect on July 17, 2023.  This ordinance will affect homeowners who’s properties are impacted by the three watercourses that traverse our town.  These new regulations require that any property that is affected by a watercourse establish flood limits and have them approved by NJDEP prior to undertaking any improvements on their lot or their home, including interior renovations.  The Borough understands that this will add a new layer of regulatory oversight to any project within one of these affected properties.  If you are an affected property owner, you may choose to accelerate your project ahead of this ordinance in order to avoid additional costs and delays.

The Borough is working towards establishing the flood areas within residential areas over the next year.  This will allow for information to be available locally to save our property owners both time and money.  However, there will be a timeframe during which the Ordinance will be in affect and the studies will not have been completed and approved by DEP.  We are working diligently to create the least burdensome conditions for our residents while continuing to meet the requirements of the State of New Jersey.

If you need additional information, please contact, Mike Petry the Flood Plain Manager at (973) 227-7004.

View Ordinance Here