Flood protection information is available from numerous sources including Floodsmart at floodsmart.gov/flood and DHS/FEMA at fema.gov.
Flood Risk
Find the flood risk to your property using the Wayne Township Interactive GIS Mapping Portal on the GIS & Maps page. This portal displays the latest FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) floodplains and floodways from 2020 as well as the Wayne Township regulated flood hazard area which is 3 feet higher than FEMA’s flood elevations and covers a bigger area.
Information regarding flood mapping, flood depths, building requirements and floodplain permits is available at the Engineering Office at Town Hall or by calling 973-694-1800 x 3263.
Flood Insurance
Regular Homeowner Insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Since Wayne Township participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, federally backed insurance is available to property owners and tenants for the structure and for the contents of the structure at a discounted rate. Rates do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. The flood insurance rates depend on many factors, including the age of your home, the type of construction and the elevation and location of the building.
DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT FLOOD TO PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE. In most cases, there is a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance coverage takes effect. Contact your local insurance agent for more information on flood insurance rates and coverage.
Flood Protection Measures
Consider permanent flood protection measures by retrofitting items in your home.
Retrofitting reduces damages to the home and utilities and helps residents get back into their homes more quickly after flooding. Retrofitting can include:
- Moving you circuit breaker box and other electrical systems above the flood level.
- Elevating your hot water heater and furnace to an area that is above the flood level
- Moving your washer and dryer to a higher floor.
- Installing a backflow device on your sanitary sewer line to prevent sewer lines from backing up into your home during floods.
Flood Area Building Permits
Be advised that the building permit process for homes within the flood areas has changed. Minor work that may not require a Building permit may now require a Flood permit. If the cost of the improvement over a 5 year period is more than 50% of the appraised value of the building, the building will be required to meet all flood regulations and may need to be elevated or flood proofed. NJDEP Flood Determination and NJDEP permits may also be required. You must contact the Building Department regarding any work to be done at a property within the flood zone.
Contact Information
Flood Information – Engineering Division 973-694-1800 x 3263
Garbage and Recycling Information – 973-694-1800 x 3315
Office of Emergency Management – 973-694-5050
Additional flood information can be found on the Wayne Engineering page and on the Wayne Office of Emergency Management page.
