Flood Zones: Hernando vs Horn Lake

Is my Hernando, MS property in a flood zone?

Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or the Mississippi DEQ Geology floodmaps portal to look up your address against the effective DFIRM panels under community 28033C, in effect since May 5, 2014. Properties in Zones A or AE are inside the Special Flood Hazard Area and subject to Chapter 20 of the Hernando Code of Ordinances.

Do I need a permit before building near a creek in Hernando?

Yes. Construction or substantial improvement in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a flood development permit from the City of Hernando, with elevation or floodproofing to the Base Flood Elevation as required by Chapter 20 (Flood Damage Prevention) and the NFIP minimum standards under 44 CFR Part 60.

Is my Horn Lake property in a flood zone?

Look up your address at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) using the DeSoto County, Mississippi panels (FIS study 28033C). Properties along Horn Lake Creek, Cow Pen Creek, and Rocky Creek are the most commonly mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A or AE) in the city. Your mortgage lender will require flood insurance if you're in a high-risk SFHA, and Horn Lake's Chapter 18 ordinance applies to any new construction or substantial improvement there.

What is the substantial improvement rule for Horn Lake flood-zone homes?

Under 44 CFR § 59.1 and Horn Lake's Chapter 18 Flood Damage Prevention ordinance, repairs, additions, or improvements valued at 50% or more of the structure's pre-event market value require the entire structure to be brought into full compliance with current Flood Insurance Rate Map standards - including elevating the lowest floor to or above the Base Flood Elevation. Storm damage and remodeling both count. Track all permits and contractor invoices.