The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released preliminary work maps for four New Jersey counties impacted by Superstorm Sandy. These counties are Hudson, Monmouth, Ocean, and Atlantic. These preliminary work maps will replace the Advisory Base Flood Elevation maps which were released in 2012 as the highest available flood elevation data.

FEMA made significant changes since the release of the previous versions of the maps. The new maps may be accessed through FEMA here (see alert for links). The new maps significantly reduce the number of properties that are in the “V” zone. The “V” zone includes more at-risk areas, which are subject to flooding as well as 3-foot breaking waves. Homes in the “V” zone must adhere to more-rigorous construction requirements, such as building at a higher elevation, due to the heightened risk. Residents whose homes sustained damage totaling 50 percent or more of the home’s pre-storm market value must comply with the revised maps.