Santa Fe, NM Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Flood-vent opening size
- 1 sq in per sq ft enclosed
- Manufactured home tie rating
- 4,800 lbs per anchor
- Certifying professional
- Licensed engineer or architect
- Dry-floodproofing standard
- 44 CFR Section 60.3
Summary
Homes and buildings that Santa Fe lets into the flood fringe portion of a special flood hazard area must set their lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation. A professional engineer or architect must certify the design before a construction permit issues and certify as-built compliance once construction is done.
residential or nonresidential structures, to be constructed or substantially improved in the flood fringe, shall have the elevation of the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation. The floodplain administrator may authorize dry flood proofing for protection of nonresidential structures where the elevation of existing streets or utilities make compliance with this provision infeasible, or in other special circumstances. The design and construction methods of dry flood proofing shall comply with 44 CFR Section 60.3 of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations as certified by a professional engineer or architect;
Full Breakdown
3(F)(6)(a) SFCC 1987 requires that residential or nonresidential structures built or substantially improved in the flood fringe have the elevation of the lowest floor set at least one foot above the base flood elevation, a one-foot freeboard above FEMA's mapped base flood level. 3 of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations and be certified by a professional engineer or architect. 3(F)(6)(c)). 3(F)(6)(g)). 3(F)(6)(h)-(i)).
Violations & Fines
Building below the required one-foot freeboard, or without the engineer's design and as-built certifications required by Section 14-8.3(F)(6)(g), blocks issuance of a construction permit and a certificate of occupancy under Section 14-8.3(B)(3) and Section 14-3.12; enforcement of noncompliant flood-fringe construction proceeds under Article 14-11 (Enforcement) of Chapter 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above flood level must a new floor be in Santa Fe?
Can a business avoid raising its floor in a Santa Fe flood zone?
What are the flood vents required under a Santa Fe crawl space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Fe
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