Hurricane Preparedness in Birmingham, AL (2026)
1 verified hurricane preparedness rules for Birmingham, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Flood Elevation
In Birmingham's mapped special flood hazard areas, the Zoning Ordinance requires new or substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor, including any basement, at least one foot above the base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit and an as-built elevation certification, prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer, are required before and after construction.
Birmingham Flood Zone Lowest Floor Elevation
Some RestrictionsBirmingham General Code, Appendix D (Zoning Ordinance), Section 10, Subsection 5.b(1) (Floodplain Zone Districts - Residential Construction)
(1)Residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than one foot above the base flood elevation. Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of floodwaters shall be provid...
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Birmingham city rules.
Hurricane Preparedness in Jefferson County →