Cass County, ND Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential requirement
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Nonresidential option
- 1 ft above BFE, or floodproof
- Applies to
- Mapped special flood hazard areas
- Certification
- Registered engineer or architect required
- Adopted
- April 20, 2026 (Ord. #2025-01)
Summary
New construction and substantial improvements to residential buildings in Cass County's mapped flood hazard areas must elevate the lowest floor at least two feet above the base flood elevation.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to at least two feet above the base flood elevation.
Full Breakdown
Base flood elevation (BFE) is the height of the flood with a 1% annual chance of occurring, measured in the same datum as the county's Flood Insurance Rate Map. Under Ordinance #2025-01, new or substantially improved homes must set their lowest floor, including any basement, at least two feet above that elevation. Nonresidential buildings get more flexibility: they can elevate one foot above BFE, or be dry-floodproofed to two feet above BFE, but only with certification from a registered engineer or architect.
Violations & Fines
Same misdemeanor exposure as the rest of the floodplain ordinance: up to a $500 fine, 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as the base flood elevation?
Can a business floodproof instead of elevating?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cass County
Compare Cass County to another location·View the North Dakota environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.