Politics & Government
Bill Would Ease Restrictions For Flood-Prone Homeowners
Homeowners would be able to raise their houses to a "new and appropriate elevation" set by FEMA standards.
The New Jersey State Assembly and Senate passed a bill last week which would allow flood-prone property owners to raise their houses to a "new and appropriate elevation" without having to seek variances from local officials.
The bill, A3890, would allow homeowners to raise their houses to FEMA's new flood elevation standards regardless of what local law dictates.
Lawmakers said that raising homes will also allow the owners to reduce their flood insurance.
The bill was sponsored by District 39 Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, among other lawmakers.
"Property owners are faced with the decision of whether or not they should incur the expense to raise their homes or face astronomical increases in their homeowners’ insurance," Schepisi said in a press release. "They shouldn’t be put in a catch-22 position by an ordinance prohibiting them from conforming with FEMA’s recommendations. Government should not hinder those who have come to grips with undertaking the exorbitant cost of safeguarding their home and conforming to the standards it establishes."
Gov. Chris Christie will need to sign the bill for it to become law.
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