Meridian, ID Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Required freeboard
- 2 feet above base flood elevation
- Crawlspace freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Permit required
- Floodplain development permit before construction
- Violation penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 10-6-3
- Administered by
- City Floodplain Administrator
Summary
In Meridian's mapped floodplain, new construction and substantial improvements must elevate the lowest floor at least two feet above the base flood elevation, the city's required flood protection elevation.
For all residential construction and new nonresidential construction the lowest floor elevation of any structure, including basements, or mobile/manufactured homes, shall be elevated to the flood protection elevation of no less than two (2) feet above the base flood elevation.
(2) For all residential construction and new nonresidential construction, any crawlspace or other unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure below the lowest floor that is usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement, shall be elevated to a minimum of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation.
(3) All manufactured homes shall be elevated on a permanent foundation and meet the same elevation requirements as other structures.
(4) Lots for new construction, removed from a defined special flood hazard area as shown on the effective FIRM through a letter of map change based on fill (LOMR-F), but within the Meridian Floodplain Overlay District, may elevate the lowest floor to a flood protection elevation of one (1) foot above the base flood elevation provided the post development base flood water surface elevation increase is less than one (1) foot as determined by approved engineering hydraulic analysis and flooding source peak discharges do not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) cfs per FIS data tables. Lots where post development base flood water surface elevation increase is one (1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Meridian's floodplain development permit applies inside the Meridian Floodplain Overlay District mapped from FEMA's flood insurance rate map. For new residential and nonresidential construction, the lowest floor, including any basement or manufactured home, must sit at or above the flood protection elevation, defined in the code as two feet above the base flood elevation. Unfinished crawlspaces used only for parking, access or storage need just one foot of freeboard. The city's Floodplain Administrator reviews permit applications and can require a state-licensed engineer's BFE determination when FIRM data alone is not enough.
Violations & Fines
Building without a floodplain development permit, or below the required flood protection elevation, is a misdemeanor under Meridian City Code § 10-6-3; the city can also pursue other lawful action to halt or remedy the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Meridian require above base flood elevation?
Do crawlspaces need to meet the same 2-foot rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho environmental rules overview
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle flood elevation requirements.