Lincoln, NE Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Floodplain / floodprone area
- Standard
- Lowest floor incl. basement elevated
- Margin required
- Required freeboard above base flood
- Permit needed
- Development permit, § 27.52.040
- Enforcer
- Director of Building and Safety
Summary
New residential and commercial buildings in Lincoln's mapped floodplain must have their lowest floor elevated at least the city's required freeboard above the base flood level before a development permit issues.
All new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures within the floodplain or floodprone area shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least the required freeboard above the base flood level. Garages and storage buildings used exclusively for the storage of motor vehicles, and storage of other items readily removable in the event of a flood warning may have their lowest floor below flood elevation, provided the building structure is capable of withstanding hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces caused by the 100-year flood and, further, provided that no utilities are installed in the building except elevated or floodproofed electrical fixtures. If the building is converted to another use, it must be brought into full compliance with the requirements of this title governing such uses.
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 27.52.030(b) requires new construction and substantial improvements of residential structures in the floodplain or floodprone area to have their lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least the required freeboard above the base flood level. Nonresidential structures must meet the same elevation or be certified watertight (floodproofed) by a registered engineer or architect. Garages and storage buildings used only for vehicles or removable items can stay below flood elevation if built to resist flood forces and carry no utilities. A development permit from the Director of Building and Safety, who administers the chapter under § 27.52.040, is required before any of this construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building without an approved development permit, or below the required freeboard, violates § 27.52.030 and § 27.52.040; the Director of Building and Safety can withhold permits and require compliance before improvements proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "required freeboard" in Lincoln's flood rule?
Are garages exempt from the elevation rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska environmental rules overview
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