What defines the regulatory flood in New Jersey?

The regulatory flood in New Jersey is defined as the floodplain that can be expected to be inundated once every 100 years. This concept is commonly referred to as the "100-year flood" and is integral to floodplain management and planning. It is based on statistical estimates of flood frequencies, where a 100-year flood has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.

Understanding this definition is crucial for various aspects of urban planning, land use regulations, and mitigation strategies for flood risk management. The establishment of this standard helps municipalities and planners assess risk, determine where development may be appropriate, and implement necessary building codes and zoning regulations to minimize potential flood damage.

The other options provided do not accurately capture the generally accepted definition of the regulatory flood. For instance, while stream encroachment permits and zoning purposes are important components of floodplain management, they are not synonymous with the definition of the 100-year flood itself.