High Point, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone AO freeboard
- 2 feet above FIRM depth number
- No depth number shown
- 2 feet above adjacent grade
- Definition basis
- BFE + freeboard = protection elevation
- Certification required
- FEMA Form 81-31 elevation certificate
- Alternative
- Floodproofing for nonresidential structures
Summary
In High Point's Zone AO shallow-flooding areas, new construction must elevate its reference level to the FIRM depth number plus 2 feet of freeboard above the highest adjacent grade, or at least 2 feet above grade if no depth number is mapped.
The reference level shall be elevated at least as high as the depth number specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), in feet, plus a freeboard of 2 feet, above the highest adjacent grade; or at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified;2.Nonresidential structures may, in-lieu of elevation, be floodproofed to the same level as required by subsection F.1 above so that the structure, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities below that level shall be watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components having the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.3.Certification is required in accordance with Section 6.4.2 B, Certification Requirements; and4.Adequate drainage paths shall be provided around structures on slopes, to guide floodwaters around and away from proposed structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9 | Development Ordinance: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
The Development Ordinance defines the 'regulatory flood protection elevation' as the base flood elevation (BFE) plus freeboard: an extra safety margin for factors like wave action or bridge blockage (§ 10.4, Definitions). For general Zone A/AE/A1-30 construction, § 6.4.3.B requires elevating to that regulatory flood protection elevation. The Ordinance's one explicit numeric freeboard figure covers shallow-flooding Zone AO areas: § 6.4.3.F.1 sets it at 2 feet above the FIRM's mapped depth number, or 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade where no depth number is shown. All elevations must be certified by a registered engineer or architect.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required freeboard elevation, or without a certified elevation/floodproofing certificate, is cause to deny the floodplain permit or withhold the certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does High Point require above base flood elevation?
What certifies that a building meets High Point's flood elevation rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in High Point
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle flood elevation requirements.