The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has introduced a new website to inform residents about the possible economic effects of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) proposed Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJ REAL) regulations.
The site offers details on the state’s proposal, its expected impact on homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, as well as an interactive mapping tool for users to check if their properties may be affected. It also provides an option for residents to submit formal comments to the DEP in opposition to the rule.
“These proposed rules will significantly impact homeowners, businesses, and municipalities throughout Ocean County, many of which are still recovering from the long-term effects of Superstorm Sandy,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Frank Sadeghi.
“We are concerned that NJ REAL will have a significant economic impact on the economy of Ocean County and impede the growth in economic activity that the county is experiencing and will experience over the next 25 years.”
According to county officials, requirements such as increased construction standards, expanded flood zone designations, and stricter permitting thresholds could create major financial challenges for working families, retirees, and small businesses. Homeowners might need to spend large sums to comply with these rules. Officials also warn that property values and insurability could decline in entire neighborhoods.
“NJ REAL presents a complete overreach in scope, a lack of equity in implementation, and an absence of appropriate federal consultation or consideration for our coastal communities,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace.
County leaders argue that there has not been enough transparency or engagement with stakeholders during the rulemaking process. They say municipal leaders and regional planners have not been properly consulted or supported regarding these potential changes.
The proposed regulations would not only affect coastal areas but also extend inland. Communities along rivers and suburban neighborhoods may be included in new “flood risk” zones under NJ REAL. This expansion could result in higher insurance premiums and lower property values statewide. The rules would require schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services facilities to meet stricter building standards—costs likely passed on to taxpayers.
“As a County whose population inflates to over one million people during the summer months, we need to be conscious of not just our year-round residents but our seasonal visitors as well,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines. “NJ REAL will have an effect on a significant portion of New Jersey’s population, and we need better explanation as to how this will impact all of our towns.”
Officials add that renters may face higher housing costs due to increased expenses being passed down by landlords or businesses adjusting prices for consumers because of compliance costs.
“Ocean County’s local economies lean heavily on our tourism industry,” said Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione. “The damage these rules could do to our small businesses and residents will have a lasting impact. We need climate resilience solutions that are smart, equitable, and achievable, not ones that force people out of their homes or erode the economic foundation of our towns.”
Residents can visit https://co.ocean.nj.us/frmStopNJREAL.aspx for more information about NJ REAL regulations and access tools showing how specific properties might be affected by these proposals.
