The REAL rules affect construction in four primary ways.

  1. It adds four (4) feet to the elevation at which certain types of construction must be elevated to
  2. It creates a higher risk flood area called the Inundation Risk Zone (IRZ), which requires that developers of certain projects within the zone obtain a NJDEP permit prior to filing for a construction permit.
  3. It increases the area of the flood hazard area outside the 100-year FEMA established flood hazard area. Flood insurance will not be required in this area, however, construction would need to comply with the Uniform Construction Code and other referenced floodplain regulations related to construction, such as elevating a structure.
  4. It requires the finish floor of the first habitable floor level to be one (1) foot above the Design Flood Elevation (DFE) in all non-coastal A zones. Previous regulations allowed for the finished floor to be at DFE.