N.J. Stat. § App.A:9-51.2: Prohibition by ordinance of construction or repair of buildings during emergency

The governing body of any municipality in a disaster area may, by ordinance, prohibit the construction, reconstruction or repair of buildings and structures in any part of the municipality if it shall find that:

(a) essential facilities such as roads and water and sewerage systems will not be available and usable during the period of emergency or any part thereof; or

(b) the damage or loss to buildings and structures in the prohibited area exceeds an amount equal to 20% of the total assessed value based at 100% of true value, at the time of the disaster, of the buildings and structures in such area.

L.1962, c. 44, s. 2.