Cary, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard above BFE
- 2 feet
- Applies to
- New construction, substantial improvements
- Permit required from
- Floodplain Administrator
- Non-residential option
- Flood-proof to same elevation
Summary
New homes in Cary flood zones must sit at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation, not just at it.
New construction of or substantial improvements to any residential structure shall be located outside Special Flood Hazard Areas and Future Conditions Flood Hazard Areas and shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation... [Definition:] In Special Flood Hazard Areas where Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) have been determined, this elevation shall be the BFE plus two (2) feet of freeboard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
In Wake and Chatham County portions of the Town of Cary lying within Special Flood Hazard Areas or Future Conditions Flood Hazard Areas, new residential construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than the 'regulatory flood protection elevation.' Where a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) has been determined, that elevation is the BFE plus 2 feet of freeboard: stricter than the bare FEMA minimum. Non-residential structures may instead be flood-proofed to the same elevation, with utilities protected. A floodplain development permit from the Floodplain Administrator is required before any work begins.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without a floodplain development permit is enforced by Cary's Floodplain Administrator; noncompliant structures must be brought into compliance or face permit denial and potential removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must a new Cary home be built?
Does this apply anywhere with a Cary mailing address?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle flood elevation requirements.