No rule or regulation adopted pursuant to section 4 or 7 of P.L.1972, c. 185 (C. 58:16A-55 or 58) shall prevent the repair or rebuilding within a flood hazard area of any lawful preexisting structure which was damaged by a flood or by any other means. L.1977, c. 385, s. 1, eff. Feb. 10, 1978.