Floodplain

Are You in a Flood Zone?

To get more precise answers and the official map, visit the FEMA website and enter your address.

View FEMA Flood Map Service Center »

If You’re in a Flood Zone, Here’s What You Need to Know

Required Permits

  • Floodplain Development Permit
  • Currently, there is no standalone land disturbance or floodplain permit. Please submit a building permit and describe your intended development.
  • All development within the 100-year Floodplain requires a permit, including grading, excavation, paving, and storage of equipment and materials.
  • H&H Study or Zero-rise certificate
  • Certain development will require a hydraulic & hydrologic study to determine whether it will cause flood levels to rise.

Development Prohibitions

  • No new structures within 10 feet of the 100-year Floodplain, including oil and gas tanks.
  • No fill or grading that alters natural floodplain drainage without a permit.
  • Limitation of almost all encroachments into the Regulatory Floodway, including materials storage.

Full ordinance details in our Floodplain Management Ordinance.

Flood Insurance Information

Flood insurance protects your property and belongings from flood damage. Many residents lack this coverage, risking significant financial loss. Standard renter’s insurance typically excludes flood damage (except for incidents like burst pipes). Renters should consider NFIP contents-only insurance for protection. Why It Matters

  • Covers repair or replacement costs
  • Provides peace of mind during flood events
  • Supports community recovery

How to Get NFIP Flood Insurance

  • Visit FEMA’s flood insurance page for details.
  • Contact an NFIP-participating insurance agent.
  • Choose coverage (building, contents, or both).
  • Apply and pay the premium (30-day waiting period applies, so get insured before the storm!).

Learn more at FloodSmart.gov

Flood Preparedness Tips 

Before a Flood

  • Create a family emergency plan with communication and meeting points.
  • Prepare a disaster kit (water, food, flashlights, batteries).
  • Know evacuation routes and shelter locations.
  • Flood-proof your home (e.g., flood vents, elevated utilities).

During a Flood

  • Evacuate if advised by authorities.
  • Avoid floodwaters.
  • Move to higher ground and monitor news or NOAA radio.

After a Flood

  • Document damage for insurance claims.
  • Contact your insurance agent promptly.
  • Check for structural hazards before re-entering.
  • Clean thoroughly to prevent mold.

Understanding Substantial Improvement & Substantial Damage

If you have an existing property in the floodplain, there are some special federal regulations to be aware of when renovating your home or when your home gets damaged that may require it to come into compliance with the City's current floodplain ordinance. These are called "substantial improvement" and "substantial damage".

Substantial Improvement (SI): Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition costing 50% or more of a structure’s market value before work begins. These projects must comply with current floodplain regulations.

Substantial Damage (SD): Damage where repair costs are 50% or more of the structure’s pre-damage market value. Such structures must meet current floodplain standards.

SI/SD ensures buildings meet modern flood safety standards and are not at recurring risk to life and property. Contact the Floodplain Management Office for details.

Additional Resources