Brunswick County, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Elevation floor
- Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (BFE + 2 ft)
- Applies to
- New construction and substantial improvements
- Floodproofing alternative
- Non-residential in Zones A, AE, AH, AO, A99
- Certification required
- PE or architect for floodproofing design
- Elevation Certificate
- FEMA Form 086-0-33, filed 3 times
- Governs
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
New construction and substantially improved buildings inside a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area of unincorporated Brunswick County must have their lowest floor, including any basement, built no lower than the county's Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. Non-residential buildings in certain flood zones may floodproof to that elevation instead, but only with a licensed engineer or architect's certification.
(1)Residential Construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured homes) shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation, as defined in Article 7.1.2 of this Ordinance.
(2)Non-Residential Construction New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or other non-residential structure shall have the reference level, including basement, elevated no lower than the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation, as defined in Article 7.1.2 of this Ordinance. Structures located in Zones A, AE, AH, AO, A99 may be floodproofed to the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation in lieu of elevation provided that all areas of the structure, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities, below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation are watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water, using structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effect of buoyancy. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the floodproofing standards of this subsection are satisfied.
Full Breakdown
B of the Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance sets the elevation standard that applies once Base Flood Elevation data exists for a Special Flood Hazard Area. 2, the Base Flood Elevation plus two feet of freeboard. B(2) lets a non-residential structure in Zones A, AE, AH, AO or A99 floodproof instead of elevate, provided every part of the structure below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation, including attendant utilities, is watertight and built to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads, with a registered professional engineer or architect certifying the design meets that standard.
B(3): an Elevation Certificate on FEMA Form 086-0-33 is due before construction starts, a second certificate is due within seven calendar days of the reference level being set, and a final Finished Construction Elevation Certificate, backed by dated photographs, is required before the county will issue a Certificate of Compliance or Occupancy. Buildings partially inside a Special Flood Hazard Area must meet these standards for the entire structure, not just the portion within the mapped area. These elevation standards apply only to unincorporated Brunswick County parcels.
Violations & Fines
Building below the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation without the required floodproofing certification is a violation of Article 7, punishable under Section 7.1.3.H as a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to a $200 fine and 30 days in jail, with each day counted as a separate offense. Failure to submit a required elevation certificate is also cause for the Floodplain Administrator to deny the permit, issue a stop-work order, or withhold the Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy until as-built deficiencies are corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business floodproof instead of elevating its building in Brunswick County?
How many elevation certificates does a new home in the flood zone need?
Does a basement count as the lowest floor for flood elevation purposes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
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