Everett, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Applies to
- New construction, substantial improvements
- Nonresidential option
- 1 ft above BFE or ASCE 24
- No BFE available
- 2 feet above highest adjacent grade
Summary
New and substantially improved residential structures in Everett's AE and A1-30 flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, per the city's flood damage prevention code.
In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zoned areas where the BFE has been determined or can be reasonably obtained, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and utilities shall be waterproof or elevated least one foot above the BFE.
b. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure in an unnumbered A zone for which a BFE is not available and cannot be reasonably obtained shall be reasonably safe from flooding, but in all cases the lowest floor shall be at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade.
c. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure in a V, V1-30, or VE zone shall meet the requirements in EMC 19.30.300.
d. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters. Designs must meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(1) Have a minimum of two openings with a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding.
(2) The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Where FEMA has established a base flood elevation, Everett requires new construction and substantial improvements to residential buildings to elevate the lowest floor, including any basement, at least one foot above that BFE, with mechanical equipment and utilities waterproofed or elevated to the same one-foot freeboard. Nonresidential buildings face the same one-foot minimum or the ASCE 24 standard, whichever is higher. Structures in unnumbered A zones without an established BFE must instead sit at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required freeboard elevation without a certified elevation certificate violates EMC 19.30.090 and can block occupancy permits, flood insurance eligibility, and future federal disaster assistance for the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Everett require above base flood elevation?
What if my nonresidential building can't meet the one-foot freeboard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle flood elevation requirements.