Chatham County, GA Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard required
- 3 feet above BFE (§24-117)
- Applies to
- A1-30, AE, AH, A zones
- Permit required
- FDPO Approval Letter + development permit
- Fine
- Up to $1,500 per violation per day
- Jail exposure
- Up to 30 days
- Ordinance adopted
- August 22, 2025
Summary
Chatham County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires new and substantially improved structures in A1-30, AE, AH or A flood zones to elevate the lowest floor at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation. A development permit and FDPO approval come first.
§24-117 Specific Standards for Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) designated as A1-30, AE, AH, or A with estimated Base Flood Elevation (BFE). For new construction and/or improvements in the above listed SFHA zones, the following standards shall be required: New residential construction and/or substantial improvements - Any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated at least three feet above the BFE. Should solid (perimeter) foundation walls be used to elevate a structure, the walls shall be equipped with sufficient openings/vents to allow flood waters to flow unimpeded per Section 24-116(4)(a)... All electrical components, ventilation, plumbing fixtures, heating and air conditioning equipment, and other service facilities including ductwork that is maintained by the resident shall be installed at least three feet above the BFE.
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Chatham County §24-117, any residential structure built or substantially improved in a Special Flood Hazard Area mapped A1-30, AE, AH or A must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is one foot above FEMA's minimum requirement. Non-residential structures must either meet that same three-foot freeboard or be floodproofed to that height under §24-117(2), with a Georgia registered engineer or architect certifying the design on a Floodproofing Certificate. Solid perimeter foundation walls must carry engineered flood vents per §24-116(4)(a), documented on a Flood Vent Certificate naming the manufacturer and model.
All electrical, plumbing, HVAC and ductwork maintained by the resident must also sit at least three feet above the BFE. Before any development begins, §24-114 requires a development permit, and §24-115 requires applicants to first submit a complete FDPO Review Application and receive an FDPO Approval Letter from the Administrator, per §24-112, who reviews construction documents, confirms permits from other agencies, and records the as-built elevation against NAVD 1988. The current ordinance was adopted August 22, 2025, replacing the September 24, 2021 version.
Violations & Fines
Failure to meet the FDPO's provisions is a violation under §24-113. The Administrator may issue a Notice of Violation and Stop Work Order; the owner then has 5 business days to submit a corrective action plan and 45 business days to complete it. Willful or hazardous violations can bypass the notice for a direct court summons. Violations are fined up to $1,500 per day, with up to 30 days imprisonment, plus costs, and each day counts as a separate offense. A property found in violation can also be placed on FEMA's Section 1316 list, cutting off National Flood Insurance Program coverage until compliance is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the flood zone must my new house sit in Chatham County?
Can I floodproof instead of elevating a building?
What happens if I build without meeting the freeboard requirement?
Do I need a permit before elevating or filling a lot in the flood zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.