Fort Smith, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Applies to
- New construction, substantial improvements
- Certification
- Licensed engineer, architect or surveyor
- Fine
- Up to $500.00 per violation
Summary
In special flood hazard areas, Fort Smith requires new and substantially improved residential structures to elevate their lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer, architect or surveyor.
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement), elevated to one foot or more above the base flood elevation. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor shall submit a certification to the floodplain administrator that the standard of this subsection is satisfied.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 11-62 sets the flood-hazard-reduction standards for construction inside areas of special flood hazard identified on FEMA's flood insurance rate maps. For residential structures, new construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to one foot or more above the base flood elevation established under § 11-6. A registered professional engineer, architect, or land surveyor must certify to the city's floodplain administrator that the one-foot freeboard standard has been met before the structure is approved.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required freeboard without floodplain administrator approval violates Chapter 11; the city can pursue a court injunction to restrain construction and violators face a fine up to $500.00 under § 11-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the base flood elevation must a Fort Smith house be built?
Who certifies compliance with Fort Smith's freeboard rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
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