Atlanta, GA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 3 ft above BFE, elevated
- New development setback
- 15 ft + 2 ft from BFE
- Permitting authority
- Watershed Management commissioner
- Before occupancy
- Elevation certificate must be filed
- Governing law
- Code Art. VI, Ch. 74
Summary
Atlanta requires elevated structures in mapped floodplains to set their lowest floor at least three feet above the base flood elevation, or two feet above the highest observed flood, whichever is greater, before the city will issue a permit.
The elevation of the structure's lowest floor shall be the greater of either; three feet above the base flood elevation or two feet above the highest observed flood;
Full Breakdown
New construction in Atlanta's traditional floodplain must sit at least 15 feet horizontally and two feet vertically beyond the base flood elevation, or the project is prohibited outright. Where site conditions block that setback, an existing or elevated structure can instead raise its lowest floor to the greater of three feet above the base flood elevation or two feet above the highest observed flood. The Department of Watershed Management commissioner reviews every floodplain permit, and a licensed surveyor's elevation certificate documenting compliance must be filed before the city issues a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Violators face the general penalty under City Code § 1-8, plus stop-work orders, permit suspension or revocation, and withheld certificates of occupancy; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atlanta's freeboard requirement for flood zones?
Can I build new in Atlanta's floodplain without elevating?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
Compare Atlanta to another location·View the Georgia environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle flood elevation requirements.