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New Brunswick council adopts flood ordinance aligning local rules with FEMA and state guidance
Summary
The New Brunswick City Council approved amendments to its flood damage prevention regulations to use the most restrictive FEMA and state flood data, set local design flood elevations, and designate an administrator to enforce standards so the city can remain in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The New Brunswick City Council voted April 15 to adopt updates to the city’s flood damage prevention regulations that align local standards with the most restrictive FEMA and state flood data and set local design flood elevations for buildings and utilities.
Council President Gastana said the ordinance requires use of the most restrictive flood data and creates a local flood administrator to enforce the rules. Planning staff said the change is intended to prevent development that would increase flood elevations and to preserve the city’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
A resident who identified themselves as living on Sedam Street asked whether the ordinance reflects state mandates or a city initiative and which areas are most flood-prone. Planning staff member Mr. Dominguez replied that the ordinance brings the city in line with recent state regulations; Mr. Beings said portions of the Mun Road area and the brook near Sanford Street are among locations the city views as relatively flood-prone. When asked whether projects already approved by the zoning board would be affected, staff (Mr. Deise) said there is generally a time‑of‑application protection — projects under construction are protected and permitted projects typically have a limited grandfathering window.
Council members voted to move and adopt the ordinance on second reading. The roll call recorded Council member Anderson, Council member Sakor Ledwick, Council Vice President Gaskins and Council President Gastana as voting yes.
The ordinance’s principal provisions require designers and permit applicants to use the most restrictive applicable flood data (FEMA or state), establish local design elevations for construction and utilities including elevator flood protections, prohibit development that increases base flood elevations, and designate a local flood administrator to oversee compliance. Staff told the council these measures are meant to maintain the city’s eligibility for federally backed flood insurance while reducing future flood risk.
The council signaled staff will provide more detailed maps and implementation guidance in upcoming meetings; the item was approved and will take effect according to the city’s ordinance-adoption timeline.
