In a significant regulatory move late in the outgoing governor’s term, New Jersey regulators approved updated flood resilience standards designed to prepare communities for projected climate‑driven impacts including higher water levels and more frequent severe weather. The PACT REAL rules expand flood hazard areas, raise elevation requirements for new construction, and introduce new protections for wetlands and stormwater management. Supporters argue the changes are essential for future safety, while critics warn they may increase building costs and slow development.
Key Points:
-
The PACT REAL regulations require new buildings in flood‑prone areas to be elevated by at least four feet above base flood levels to anticipate future climate impacts.
-
Flood maps will be expanded and new rules added for wetland protection and stormwater management under the new regulatory framework.
-
Environmental advocates hailed the adoption as long‑awaited progress to protect communities from rising seas and worsening storms.
-
Business and construction groups warn the regulations will raise costs and pose challenges for development and permitting across the state.
As New Jersey implements these forward‑looking flood resilience regulations, the balance between climate preparedness and economic impact will remain a central theme in local planning and development discussions.
Attribution: By: Nikita Biryukov | New Jersey Monitor | January 22 2026
Photo by: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
