Louisville, KY Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential freeboard
- 2 feet above BFE
- Non-residential freeboard
- 1 foot above BFE
- Administering agency
- Louisville/Jefferson Co. MSD
- Governing law
- LMCO Chapter 157
- Permit required
- Yes, before floodplain development
Summary
Louisville Metro requires new and substantially improved buildings in the floodplain to have their lowest floor elevated to freeboard elevation: two feet above base flood elevation for homes, one foot for other structures.
The administering agency shall issue a floodplain permit for: (a) Development, not including critical facilities, for use as a residence: 1. Consisting of new construction or substantial improvement or repair of substantial damage where the lowest floor including the basement, if any, mechanical and utility equipment and ductwork is elevated at least to freeboard elevation, or...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 157 of the Louisville Metro Code, administered by the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District, sets freeboard at two feet above base flood elevation for residential structures and one foot for non-residential structures (§ 157.02). A floodplain permit under § 157.03(C)(2) requires new construction, substantial improvements, or repairs of substantial damage in the local regulatory floodplain to elevate the lowest floor, basement, and all mechanical/utility equipment to that freeboard level, or floodproof accordingly. This applies countywide, including inside Jefferson County's home rule cities, since MSD administers floodplain permits metro-wide.
Violations & Fines
Developing below freeboard without an MSD floodplain permit is a civil offense under § 157.05. MSD issues a notice of violation, then a citation with a civil fine if the property isn't brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Louisville Metro require above base flood elevation?
Who issues floodplain permits in Louisville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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