Flood Zones: Olive Branch vs Southaven
How do flood zones rules compare between Olive Branch, MS and Southaven, MS?
Olive Branch and Southaven have similar restriction levels.
Olive Branch, MS
Desoto County
Olive Branch participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development through Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 - Floods. The countywide DeSoto County Flood Insurance Study and Digital FIRMs became effective May 5, 2014 (FIS 28033CV001A; panel set 28033C). Federal authority is the National Flood Insurance Act (42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.) and 44 CFR Parts 59-60; state authority is Miss. Code Ann. §17-1-3 et seq. The Coldwater River and its tributaries (including Cow Pen Creek and Camp Creek) drain the city.
View full Olive Branch rules →Southaven, MS
Desoto County
Southaven participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance under Mississippi authority. Effective flood maps for DeSoto County and Southaven (FIRM panels under community 28033C) became effective June 4, 2007. Major flood sources include Cow Pen Creek, Southaven Creek, Horn Lake Creek, and Rocky Creek; urbanization of the floodplain has caused damaging floods historically (1973 and 1975).
View full Southaven rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Olive Branch | Southaven |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Olive Branch Code of Ord. Ch. 30 - Floods | - |
| Federal Authority | 42 U.S.C. §4001; 44 CFR Pt 59-60 | - |
| FIRM Effective | May 5, 2014 (DeSoto County) | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | - |
| Drainage | Coldwater River, Cow Pen Creek | - |
| Floodplain Admin | (662) 892-9333 | - |
| FIRM Effective Date | - | June 4, 2007 |
| Community Panel Suffix | - | 28033C (DeSoto County, MS) |
| NFIP Participation | - | Active (per MEMA) |
| Major Flood Sources | - | Cow Pen, Southaven, Horn Lake, Rocky Creeks |
| Historic Floods | - | 1973 and 1975 (per FIS) |
| State Coordinator | - | Mississippi Emergency Management Agency |
| Model Ordinance | - | MEMA Model B-E Flood Damage Prevention Ord. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Olive Branch FAQ
Where can I find the flood zone for my Olive Branch property?
Use FEMA's Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) and search the address. Olive Branch is on the countywide DeSoto County Digital FIRM with effective date May 5, 2014. Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A and AE) follow the Coldwater River, Cow Pen Creek, and Camp Creek corridors. The Building Department (662-892-9333) can confirm zone status and BFE for permit review.
What rules apply if my Olive Branch home is in a flood zone?
Code of Ordinances Chapter 30 (Floods) requires a floodplain development permit before any construction, filling, or substantial improvement in a Special Flood Hazard Area. New homes and substantial improvements must elevate the lowest floor to Base Flood Elevation. The 50%-of-market-value substantial improvement / damage threshold under 44 CFR §59.1 triggers full compliance. Elevation Certificates are required at permit application and post-construction.
Southaven FAQ
Is my Southaven property in a flood zone?
Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) or the DeSoto County GIS Hub to look up your address against effective FIRM panels under community 28033C, in effect since June 4, 2007. Properties in Zones A or AE are inside the Special Flood Hazard Area and subject to Southaven's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Do I need a permit before building near a Southaven creek?
Yes. Construction or substantial improvement within a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a flood development permit from the City of Southaven, with elevation or floodproofing to the Base Flood Elevation as required by the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and NFIP minimum standards under 44 CFR Part 60.
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