Lansing, MI Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

(d)Specific base flood elevation standards.(1)On the basis of the most recent available base flood elevation data the following standards shall apply in the area of special flood hazard:a.All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to a minimum of one foot above the base flood level.b.All new construction and substantial improvements of structures shall have either:1.The lowest floor, including basement, elevated to a minimum of one foot above the base flood elevation; or2.Be constructed such that below base flood elevation, together with attendant utility and sanitary facilities:i.The structure is watertight, with walls impermeable to the passage of water; andii.Is constructed with structural components having the ability to neutralize hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads; andiii.The effects of buoyancy must be resisted. A registered professional engineer or architect shall certify that the standards of this subparagraph are satisfied, and that the flood proofing methods employed are adequate to withstand the flood depth, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood in the location of the structure. Such certification shall be submitted to the Building Safety Office, and shall indicate the elevation to which the structure is flood proofed.