Floodplain Development Standards
Local floodplain management requirements are intended to reduce the risks associated with new development in regulated floodplain areas. All municipalities in the STC region have enacted floodplain development regulations that are consistent with federal standards (thereby enabling participation in the National Flood Insurance Program). These regulations are intended to ensure that new development in flood-prone locations is reasonably safe from flood damage and will not result in physical damage to other property.
Regulated floodplain: The floodplain areas that are subject to floodplain development regulations are those shown on flood hazard maps (called Flood Insurance Rate Maps) as high flood hazard areas with a 1% or greater probability of being flooded in any given year. These regulated floodplains are also referred to as the 100-year floodplain. Approximate maps of the regulated floodplain are available in the Regional Water Quality Module on the STC Internet Map Server (IMS). Or print a FIRMette at the FEMA Map Service Center website.
STC has developed a series of floodplain management fact sheets to assist with implementation of floodplain development requirements:
Floodplain Facts #1: Floodplain Development
Floodplain Facts #2: Non-Building Floodplain Development
Floodplain Facts #3: Modifications to Existing Floodplain Structures
Floodplain Facts #4: Residential Structures in the Floodplain
Floodplain Facts #5: Non-Residential Structures in the Floodplain
Floodplain Facts #6: Manufactured Homes, Recreational Vehicles, and Trailers in the Floodplain
Floodplain Facts #7: Accessory Structures and Garages in the Floodplain
Floodplain Facts #8: Enclosed Areas Below the Flood Protection Level
Floodplain Facts #9: Flood Resistant Design
Floodplain Facts #10: Floodplain Development in Approximate A Zones
Floodplain Facts #11: Development in Areas of Shallow Flooding
Municipal governments (cities, towns, and villages) are responsible for issuing floodplain development permits and enforcing floodplain development standards. The following checklist can be used to assist with the process of managing floodplain develoment:
Additional floodplain management forms:
Floodplain Development Permit Application
Certificate of Compliance for Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area
Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) - Used to document building elevation information for floodplain management and flood insurance purposes. The Elevation Certificate and instructions can be obtained from FEMA's website or from the municipal building department. It is generally completed by a land surveyor.
Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form 81-65) - Used to certify dry floodproofing of non-residential structures. Must be completed by a registeres professional engineer or architect.
"No-Rise" Certification- Can be used by a licensed professional engineer to certify that a proposed floodway encroachment will not result in any rise in the 100-year flood elevation.
Certification of Flood Resistant Design - Can be used for professional certification that a design is resistant to flood damage. Situations in which this certification may be necessary include: engineered flood vents (that do not meet the specified design criteria), wet floodproofed utilities or equipment, anchoring, septic systems, gas well equipment, or flood-resistant materials not listed in FEMA's Technical Bulletin 2.
Non-Conversion Agreement for Enclosed Area Below the Flood Protection Level - Enclosed areas below the flood protection level can only be used for limited purposes and cannot be altered in a manner that violates the Floodplain Development Permit. This form can be used to document the owner's understanding of these conditions.
Floodplain Variance Findings & Decision - This form provides a format for documenting the findings, determination, and any conditions of approval for a floodplain variance request.
Substantial Improvement/Damage Rule for existing buildings in the regulated floodplain: If the cost of improvements or the cost to repair damages (from any cause) exceeds 50% of the market value of the building (excluding land value), the entire building must be brought up to current floodplain management standards.
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The Association of State Floodplain Managers promotes No Adverse Impact floodplain management. This is a "good neighbor" approach based on the premise that it's not right to transfer or worsen a flooding problem. No one has the right to use their property to harm other people. Any adverse impacts should either be avoided or mitigated. Potential impacts to consider include: higher flood stage, increased velocity, erosion and/or sediment, increased cost of public services, water quality impacts, habitat loss, etc. Ideas and resources for implementing No Adverse Impact floodplain management policies are available at the Association of State Floodplain Managers website.