Lawrence, KS Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger point
- Placement of lowest floor, including basement
- Certification standard
- IBC section 1612.5
- Submitted to
- Building official
- Related standard
- Land development code article 12 (floodplains)
Summary
In the City of Lawrence, once the lowest floor of a building in a flood hazard area, including the basement, is placed, the builder must submit an elevation certification under International Building Code section 1612.5 to the building official before any further vertical construction proceeds.
In flood hazard areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation certification required in section 1612.5 of the International Building Code shall be submitted to the building official. In addition to the requirements of this section. Construction in floodplains shall be pursuant to article 12 of the city land development code, as amended.
Full Breakdown
Lawrence City Code § 5-311, "Lowest floor elevation," ties directly into the inspection sequence set out earlier in chapter 5's building article: footing and foundation, slab, framing, and other staged inspections culminate in this flood-specific checkpoint. 5 of the International Building Code, as adopted by the city at article V of chapter 5, to the building official for review. The building official's inspection authority under § 5-313 lets the department of planning and development services building safety division require whatever supporting inspections are needed to confirm compliance.
The section also cross-references the substantive floodplain design standard: construction in floodplains must additionally comply with article 12 of the city's land development code, a separate document adopted by reference and not printed in the general municipal code text, so the elevation certificate confirms compliance with an as-built condition while the land development code article carries the numeric flood protection elevation and floodway standards.
Violations & Fines
Vertical construction that proceeds past the lowest-floor stage without the required elevation certification on file leaves the project without the building official's sign-off, and the department can withhold further inspection approvals under § 5-318 until the certificate is submitted and the work is found compliant. Uncorrected non-compliance is enforceable under the Code's general penalty, § 1-113: a fine of $1.00 to $1,000.00, up to 180 days in the city jail, or both, with each continuing day treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a flood elevation certificate be filed in Lawrence?
What standard does the elevation certificate follow?
Does § 5-311 cover all floodplain construction standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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