Canton, OH Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Canton's Flood Hazard Zoning District (Chapter 1166) defines the Flood Protection Elevation as the base flood elevation plus two feet of freeboard, or, where no base flood elevation data exists, the historical flood elevation or an elevation approved by the Floodplain Administrator (§ 1131.01). The City Engineer serves as Floodplain Administrator, reviewing applications, interpreting flood boundaries, inspecting construction, and keeping flood maps, permits, and elevation certificates on file (§ 1166.03(a)-(b)). No one may build, fill, grade, or alter a structure in a mapped special flood hazard area without first obtaining a floodplain development permit, which the Administrator must approve or deny within 30 days and which expires if work is not substantially begun within 180 days (§ 1166.03(c), (e)(2)).

New construction and substantial improvements of residential structures, including manufactured homes, must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the FPE, or, absent FPE data, at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade (§ 1166.04(d)(4)). Nonresidential structures may instead be dry floodproofed watertight to the FPE and certified by a registered engineer or architect (§ 1166.04(e)(2)). Accessory structures of 600 square feet or less used only for parking or storage are exempt from elevation standards if built of flood-resistant materials and anchored against flotation (§ 1166.04(f)), and recreational vehicles are exempt if sited fewer than 180 days, fully licensed, or permitted under the residential standards (§ 1166.04(g)).