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Westwood planners briefed on NJDEP flood and stormwater rule changes that raise design elevations and storage requirements
Summary
Planning board heard a presentation from Neglia engineers on NJDEP Inland Flood Protection (2023) and REAL (2026) rule updates that increase design flood elevations, ban basements below DFE, and require climate‑adjusted stormwater design and larger storage systems for developments.
Neglia Engineering Group engineers told the Westwood Planning Board on May 14 that two recent New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection rule updates will affect how development in Westwood addresses flooding and stormwater. Gregory J. Polyniak and Mateo Luzuriaga summarized the Inland Flood Protection Rules (NJAC 7:13) adopted in 2023 and the Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) rules adopted Jan. 20, 2026, and said the changes require use of climate‑adjusted rainfall in design and raise design flood elevations (DFE).
Polyniak said DFEs will increase “approximately 2 feet using Department delineation and up to 3 feet using FEMA 100‑year flood mapping,” and that the rules require buildings, access points and parking to be constructed at least 1 foot above the DFE and prohibit new basements below the DFE. The presenters emphasized that Westwood sits in a fluvial flood hazard area and therefore the revised standards will affect site elevations and allowable building configurations. The board did not take formal action; presenters provided links to NJDEP rule documents and municipal training resources for staff review.
The speakers also described changes to the Stormwater Management Rules (NJAC 7:8) that incorporate future (2100) precipitation projections and county‑specific adjustment factors, no longer accept the Rational Method for sizing, and therefore lead to larger storage volumes and more advanced hydrologic modeling for stormwater systems. Polyniak told the board that projects meeting the updated definition of “major development” will also be required to provide stormwater quality treatment and demonstrate runoff volume reduction through onsite retention and green infrastructure.
Board members asked clarifying questions during the presentation about thresholds and practical implications for infill redevelopment. Polyniak said the REAL rule updates apply most directly to tidal areas but that the stormwater provisions and modified definitions of “disturbance” and “major development” are relevant in Westwood. No vote was taken; the board received the presentation and materials for further review and staff follow‑up.
