In the wake of Ida, a Bergen County town is strengthening its requirements for flood damage prevention when building in the area.

Westwood has two Hackensack River tributaries passing through it. The newly introduced ordinance has been in the works since earlier this year and it requires roads and parking lots to be elevated a foot above base flood elevation in new residential developments.

Some areas along the waterways that cut through the town are prone to flooding. Bergen County saw severe flooding during Ida and in Westwood, several homes in low-lying areas got several feet of water.

Homeowners tell News 12 they would suggest controlling where floodwaters go instead of building new developments on higher ground.

Bergen County is eligible for federal disaster relief. The borough already requires new developments to provide seepage pits to collect rainwater,