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Nampa, ID Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Freeboard standard
Base flood elevation + 1 foot
Permit required
Floodplain development permit, City Engineer
Critical facilities
BFE + 3 feet minimum
Accessory structures
BFE + 1 foot minimum
Penalty
Up to $300 fine, 30 days

Summary

Nampa requires new and substantially improved residential structures in flood hazard areas to elevate their lowest floor one foot above base flood elevation, the citywide flood protection elevation standard.

New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to the flood protection elevation (FPE).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 16 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Nampa's Chapter 4-9 floodplain ordinance sets the flood protection elevation (FPE) at base flood elevation plus one foot: the freeboard standard for the lowest floor of new construction and substantial improvements in areas of special flood hazard shown on the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Canyon County. A floodplain development permit from the City Engineer is required before building in these zones, and new critical facilities such as essential and hazardous-materials facilities must clear three feet above BFE. Accessory structures need only one foot of freeboard. The rule applies citywide within Nampa's limits, not the unincorporated county.

Violations & Fines

Building below the required elevation, or without a floodplain development permit, is a misdemeanor: up to $300 fine and 30 days jail per violation, plus costs, enforced by the City Engineer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nampa's flood protection elevation?
It's the base flood elevation plus one foot of freeboard: the minimum height required for the lowest floor of new or substantially improved structures in special flood hazard areas.
Who enforces Nampa's floodplain elevation rules?
The Nampa City Engineer or an authorized designee reviews floodplain development permits, verifies elevation certificates, and enforces Chapter 4-9 citywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nampa

Flood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Skateboarding RulesSignificant RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Public UrinationSome RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Loitering RulesSome RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Aggressive PanhandlingSignificant RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body ModificationSome Restrictions

All Nampa rules

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