Nicholasville, KY Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Sec. 9-32 sets the specific elevation standards for special flood hazard areas where base flood elevation data have been provided under Sec. 9-7. For residential construction the rule is one foot of freeboard: the lowest floor, together with the basement, crawlspace, mechanical equipment and ductwork, must be elevated no lower than one (1.0) foot above the base flood elevation. Where solid foundation perimeter walls raise the structure, openings sufficient for the unimpeded movement of floodwaters must be provided under division (3).

The zone rules differ. In an AO zone the structure is elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or at least two (2) feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. In an A zone where the Federal Emergency Management Agency has produced no technical data, the floor is elevated one (1.0) foot above the base flood elevation as determined by the community, and the Floodplain Administrator picks the method. In all other zones, a registered professional engineer or surveyor certifies the lowest floor elevation once the structure is complete, the community building inspection department verifies it, and both go to the Floodplain Administrator.

Non-residential buildings either meet the same elevation or are floodproofed below an elevation one (1.0) foot above the base flood elevation so the structure is watertight, with an engineer or architect certifying it. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor used only for parking, building access or storage need a minimum of two openings with a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for every square foot of enclosed area, the bottom of each no higher than one (1) foot above grade. Manufactured homes in A, A1-30, AO, AH and AE zones must sit on a permanent foundation with the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation.