Sebastian County, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard requirement
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Applies in
- Zone AE or A1-30
- Certification required
- Licensed engineer, surveyor, or architect
- Nonresidential option
- Floodproof to 3 feet above BFE
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. 2023-27, passed 11-21-23
Summary
New residential structures in Sebastian County's AE or A1-30 flood zones must have their lowest floor built one foot above the published base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer, surveyor, or architect.
(a) For all new residential structures, the top surface of the lowest floor must have an elevation one foot above the published BFE. This elevation must be documented on an elevation certificate properly completed by a professional engineer, surveyor or architect licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-62: 2026 S-62 contains Local legislation current through April 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
21, Risk Zone Specific Standards, adopted with Chapter 151 by Ordinance 2023-27 on November 21, 2023 (amended by Ordinance 2023-32 and Ordinance 2024-11), sets a one-foot freeboard above base flood elevation (BFE) as the county's elevation standard. 21(A)(1)(a), for all new residential structures in Zone AE or A1-30, the top surface of the lowest floor must have an elevation one foot above the published BFE, and that elevation must be documented on an elevation certificate completed by a professional engineer, surveyor, or architect licensed in Arkansas.
21(A)(1)(c). 21(A)(2)(a): elevate the lowest floor one foot above base flood level, or floodproof the structure watertight up to three feet above base flood level with an engineer's floodproofing certificate on file with the Floodplain Administrator. 21(A)(3)(a). 20, which separately require critical facilities to exceed 500-year flood protection or sit entirely outside the special flood hazard area.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required one-foot freeboard, or without the elevation certificate documenting compliance, is enforced through the county's general penalty at Section 10.99, since Chapter 151 carries no dedicated fine section: up to $500 for a first offense (up to $1,000 for repeats) and up to $250 per day for a continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above flood level must a new house be built in Sebastian County?
Can a commercial building be floodproofed instead of elevated?
Do manufactured homes have to meet the same one-foot rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sebastian County
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