Flood Protection Information

This notice is being mailed to all addresses in Margate City since all buildings located in Margate are in a Special Flood Hazard Area between the Atlantic Ocean and the bay known as Beach Thorofare. The purpose of the notice is to suggest possible actions you can take to protect yourself, family and property in the event of a hurricane or coastal storm, and to advise that property owners in Margate are entitled to a 15% DISCOUNT ON FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS! Margate City is subject to serious flooding conditions from both the ocean and bay waters during major storms, such as the 12/92 coastal storm and the 9/85 Hurricane Gloria. Detailed flood insurance maps showing the 100 year floodplain, in which we are located, are on file for your inspection at the Public Library at 8100 Atlantic Avenue and the Margate City Building Department at 101 North Washington Avenue (corner of Winchester Avenue), phone number 822-1974. If you have questions about your specific property, the Building Department is staffed by N.J.licensed professionals that are qualified to locate your property on our City overlay maps to determine the curb elevation at that property, enabling them to give you an approximate lowest floor above mean sea level. All local lenders, insurance agents and real estate offices are aware of this service.

Please see the general elevation reference map.This is being furnished to all residents as a public service to provide approximate elevation information regarding flood prone areas in Margate City. The various elevations shown have an affect on flood insurance premiums. Please note that this is for informational purposes only and, in order to determine the exact elevation of your individual property, it will be necessary to engage the services of an engineer or land surveyor. The community has copies of completed elevation certificates available for some properties in the floodplain.

Margate City does not have a specific flood warning system, but is well serviced by the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management. All advisories or storm warnings are broadcast by all local radio stations (WFPG-AM 1450, WMID-AM 1340, WONDAM 1400) and TV stations (Channels 3, 6, 10 and 40), weather radio and police vehicles equipped with public address systems. Comcast Television will broadcast up-to-date weather information and local emergency advisories or evacuation orders on Channel 2. Other sources of emergency information will also be heard on local radio stations. The ORDER TO EVACUATE is given only when the best efforts of local and county Emergency Coordinators have evaluated the projections of storm headings and all other storm related information. All persons with disabilities, invalids, and those who cannot care for themselves should contact the City at 822-1151. This list is kept in confidence, however, it is your responsibility to update or change this information. The local newspapers offer supplements with "What to Do" details when hurricanes threaten.

The safety of your family is of the utmost importance! To be well informed about an approaching storm, keep a battery powered radio tuned to a local station, as shown above, and follow all emergency instructions. If evacuation is ordered, Margate City has a prepared emergency evacuation plan coordinated with the City of Northfield to assure the smooth flow of traffic over the Jerome Avenue bridge and through Northfield. In the event of a storm advisory or warning, immediately bring outdoor furniture and other possessions inside or tie them down securely, be sure you have a full tank of gasoline and stock the car with nonperishable canned goods (with a can opener), a container of water, first aid kit and any special medication needed by the family. Do not walk through flowing water. Do not drive through flooded areas. Stay away from downed wires of any kind. If time permits, pull off the main power switch and shut off the main gas valve.

Your homeowner's insurance policy does NOT cover losses due to flooding! Margate City has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program since its inception and flood insurance is available for almost any enclosed building and its contents. Maximum insurance on a one family dwelling is $250,000 and $100,000. on household contents. Non-residential and business properties are also eligible for insurance in various amounts. Flood insurance is mandatory for all federally related financial assistance for loans to purchase, construct, repair or improve any building in the Special Flood Hazard Area, and all lending agencies, real estate offices and title companies are aware of this Federal requirement. Reduced rates are available depending on your lowest floor elevation above mean sea level plus a variety of deductible amounts. We urge you to inquire about flood insurance coverage from your insurance agent for further information regarding this most important part of your insurance coverage.

Since Margate City is entirely in a Special Flood Hazard Zone, you should be aware that the question is not if we will have a flood due to a hurricane, but when! There are various techniques that can be used to flood proof existing structures and thereby reduce or eliminate the potential of future flood damage. This flood proofing process is known as "RETROFITTING". The Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-Prone Structures (FEMA Publication No. 114-9/86) is available for review at the Margate City Building Department at 822-1974, and details the retrofitting alternatives such as the raising or relocation of a structure, the use of levees or flood walls, the sealing of a structure and the protection of utilities. Some of the preceding measures may not be practical in certain circumstances, but our qualified licensed N.J. Construction Officials are prepared to guide your decision. If you are contemplating new construction, you must contact the Building Department to determine what special land use and building regulations are in effect to comply with federal flood insurance standards. This information is available to anyone at no cost.

All new construction and renovation projects are required to have local building permits and, depending on the type and location of a project, there may be various state permits required also. Always check with local building officials, a local engineer or land surveyor before purchasing a property in Margate City to determine what special regulations are in effect relating to the location in the Special Flood Hazard Zone. If you observe any new construction or substantial improvements to a building, please notify the Margate City Building Department for their investigation at 822-1974.

The National Flood Insurance Program requires that, if a building is damaged by any means (fire, flood, wind, etc.) and the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building's market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. In summary, the building must (1) be elevated above the base flood elevation, be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, COLLAPSE, OR LATERAL movement (2) be constructed with materials resistant to flood damage (3) be constructed with all utilities designed so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during flooding. It is mandatory to have all permit applications reviewed by the Building Department.

The Margate City Department of Public Works maintains the surface water drainage system by regular cleaning of the catch basins in the corners of all intersections to avoid street flooding. If you observe a catch basin that does not appear to drain properly you should report the location to the Department of Public Works at 822-5038. This entire system carries untreated stormwater directly to the bay and ocean, and any pollutants such as motor oil, paint, fertilizer and pesticides can contaminate thousands of gallons of water. In addition, the City has ordinances prohibiting sweeping of debris or litter into gutters and/or surface water storm drains. These ordinances also apply to all owners and tenants and help to avoid clogged drains. During the last three years, an entirely new and larger drainage system has been installed in Ventnor Avenue the length of the City. Tidal check valves have been installed on 21 stormwater outfall pipes along the bayfront to prevent water backing up into the drainage systems causing street flooding.

The City's largest and most important natural function in our floodplain is the beach. The beach allows flood tides to spread over a large area to provide water storage and reduce wind and wave velocity impact on protective bulkheads. Another important location providing a natural function is known as Minnie Creek at Lagoon Drive. This also serves as flood tide storage in addition to a wildlife habitat for waterfowl and breeding and feeding grounds. We must all be aware of the importance of these natural areas and help preserve them by reference to 7-8-9 above.

FEMA Website
Hurricane Magazine
FEMA Flood Smart Website
International Hurricane Protection
Hurricane Magazine
NJ Office of Emergency Management
Red Cross Disaster Plan
Floodplain Management
NOAA Weather Service
FEMA Map Service Center
Community Rating System