NJBIA Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer Ray Cantor discussed concerns about proposed Land Use rules by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) during an appearance on NJ101.5. Speaking with morning host Eric Scott, Cantor expressed worries that these rules could impact the state's affordability.
Cantor indicated that the DEP might approve or significantly modify these rules by August 5. "DEP is close to adopting them, and we think that they have a potentially devastating impact on our economy, housing, and affordability," he said.
The DEP's Protecting Against Climate Threat rules are detailed in a 1,057-page document. These rules introduce concepts like “inundation risk zones” and “climate adjusted flood elevation” areas for new or improved developments. Structures within these zones must be built five feet higher than current flood standards.
Cantor explained the implications: “That's going to mean that people down to shore and in our river communities are going to have to, if they develop, elevate the house in an additional five feet.” He added that construction standards would change, expanding flood zones and imposing unforeseen costs and regulatory requirements on residents.
For more details from Cantor's interview, listeners can tune in at the 20:00 mark.
