TOWNSHIP OF ROCHELLE PARK
FLOOD PROTECTION
The Township of Rochelle Park experiences flooding due to the Saddle River and the Sprout Brook. Approximately 32 percent of the Township is located within the floodplain of these waters. FEMA has mapped these areas as those areas subject to flooding by the one percent annual chance flood (100-year flood) in their Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).
Recent floods of significance in Rochelle Park are Hurricane Irene in August of 2011 and Hurricane Floyd in September of 1999.
In an effort to assist the community in receiving a discount on the flood insurance policies, Rochelle Park participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). By implementing several programs, a reduction in flood insurance premiums is earned. Rochelle Park implements a number of activities which effectuate the goals of the Community Rating System.
These activities include:
• Public Information
• Mapping and Regulations
• Flood Damage Reduction
• Flood Warning and Response
Flood maps and flood protection references are available in the Rochelle Park public library or at the Building Department located at 151 West Passaic Street in Rochelle Park. Find out if your property is in the regulated floodplain by calling the Township’s building department at 201-556-0520 or click on the link https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Below, please find the document titled, “A Reference Guide to Coping with a Flood.” This document has valuable information regarding how to prepare and cope with a flood.
A Reference Guide to Coping with a Flood (Revised April 2023)
ELEVATION CERTIFICATES
The building department maintains copies of the elevation certificates for the properties listed in the following link: Elevation Certificates
To obtain a copy of an elevation certificate, please contact the building department at 201-556-0520.
FLOOD INSURANCE
There are facts every customer needs to know about the National Flood Insurance Program:
1. Everyone lives in a flood zone;
2. Flood damage is not covered by a homeowner’s policy;
3. You can buy flood insurance no matter what your flood risk is;
4. There is a low-cost policy/Preferred Risk Policy for those homes outside of the 100-year
flood zone;
5. Contents coverage is separate;
6. Renters insurance is available;
7. There is a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect; and
8. Federal disaster assistance is not the answer.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
In the event of a flood, Rochelle Park will use REVERSE 911 to notify residents. You may also register for SWIFT 911 notification to receive important information. Please see the Rochelle Park home page for registration. The link below is for status and updates of Rochelle Park’s Emergency Management:
Rochelle Park’s Emergency Management Status & Updates
SADDLE RIVER GAGING STATION
The following is a link to the USGS monitoring station located on the Saddle River in Lodi. This
website measure both the discharge and the gage height of the river in current time:
• https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/01391500/#parameterCode=00065
The following is a link to the National Weather Service at the USGS Monitoring station on the Saddle River in Lodi. This website lists the historical river crests and flood stage elevations:
• https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=okx&gage=lodn4
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
- Stormwater Management Plan
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan – 12-20-21
- Rochelle Park Outfalls
- Outfall Locations
- MS4 Outfall Pipe Map
HELPFUL LINKS REGARDING FLOOD INFORMATION
• https://www.ready.gov/floods
• https://floodsmart.gov
• Complete Guide to Flood Safety and Preparedness
• http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood
• http://www.region2coastal.com/view-flood-maps-data/what-is-my-bfe-address-lookup-tool/
• https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance
• www.nj.gov/dep/floodcontrol/
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rochelle Park Building Department:
Phone: 201-556-0520
Fax: 201-556-0523
Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9-4 and Tuesday & Thursday 7:30-2:30
.
Rochelle Park Office of Emergency Management: 201-587-7734