Flood Zones: New Rochelle vs White Plains
How do flood zones rules compare between New Rochelle, NY and White Plains, NY?
New Rochelle and White Plains have similar restriction levels.
New Rochelle, NY
Westchester County
New Rochelle Municipal Code Chapter 186 (Flood Damage Prevention) regulates development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Extensive AE zones along Long Island Sound including Five Islands Park, Hudson Park, Davenport Neck, and Echo Bay. Lowest floor must be elevated to or above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) plus freeboard.
View full New Rochelle rules →White Plains, NY
Westchester County
White Plains participates in NFIP. FEMA AE zones exist along the Bronx River and Mamaroneck River corridors. Floodplain development permit required for construction, substantial improvement, or fill in SFHAs per City Code Chapter 3-5 (Flood Damage Prevention).
View full White Plains rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New Rochelle | White Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Chapter 186 | - |
| Zones | AE along Sound shoreline | AE along Bronx/Mamaroneck Rivers |
| Permit | Floodplain Development required | Floodplain development permit |
| Freeboard | Above BFE required | - |
| NFIP | Participating community | Participating community |
| Coastal | - | None (inland city) |
| FIRM effective | - | September 28, 2007 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New Rochelle FAQ
Is my New Rochelle property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA Map Service Center. Waterfront areas including Davenport Neck, Hudson Park, Echo Bay, and Five Islands Park are largely in AE zones.
Do I need a permit to elevate my home?
Yes. Any work in a SFHA requires a Floodplain Development Permit from the Building Department under Chapter 186.
White Plains FAQ
Does White Plains have FEMA flood zones?
Yes. Zone AE flood zones run along the Bronx River and Mamaroneck River. Check the FEMA Map Service Center for your specific parcel.
Do I need flood insurance in White Plains?
Only if your property lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and you have a federally backed mortgage. Many WP properties are outside SFHAs.
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