Apex, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Apex's Unified Development Ordinance requires new or substantially improved residential structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas to have their reference floor, including any basement, elevated no lower than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. That term is defined in the UDO as the base flood elevation (BFE) plus 2 feet of freeboard where a BFE has been established, or at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade where no BFE exists. Non-residential structures face the same elevation standard, with an option to floodproof instead in AE and Future X zones. This UDO freeboard standard was last codified July 2021; verify current BFE data with the Town's Floodplain Administrator before building, since flood maps and this fast-growing town's drainage conditions change.