Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Davidson County

Davidson County, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Elevation standard
above maximum flood heights on county maps
Covers
dwellings and self-contained sewage units
Map source
HUD Flood Insurance Program maps
Drainage design duty
no increase in flood flows, § 8.2.024
Enforcement
Davidson County Planning Board at plat review

Summary

Dwellings and self-contained sewage disposal units in unincorporated Davidson County's mapped floodplain must be built at an elevation above the maximum flood heights shown on the county's flood plain maps before a subdivision plat can be approved.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Davidson County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

8.2.023 Dwellings and self-contained sewage disposal units (if used) shall be built at an elevation above maximum flood heights as shown on the flood plain maps described in 8.2.02.

View official code

Full Breakdown

02, the maps prepared for the county under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Flood Insurance Program. 022, which allows streets, utility lines, and structures within the flood plain only if their elevation is raised above the maximum flood heights shown on those maps, or if they are otherwise flood-protected. 1 until the hazard is corrected. 024 additionally requires the subdivision's drainage system to be engineered so it does not increase flood flows from new impervious surface, which works alongside the elevation rule to keep new lots out of the floodwater's path rather than just above it.

Violations & Fines

Building or platting below the required elevation without correction exposes the subdivider to the same misdemeanor penalty in Section 4.2 of the Subdivision Regulations: subdividing, transferring, or selling land in violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, the County can sue for an injunction against the illegal subdivision, and conviction carries fine and/or imprisonment under G.S. 14-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high must a new home be built in Davidson County's floodplain?
Section 8.2.023 requires dwellings, and self-contained sewage disposal units if used, to be built at an elevation above the maximum flood heights shown on the county's flood plain maps prepared under the HUD Flood Insurance Program.
Does the elevation rule apply to septic systems too?
Yes. Section 8.2.023 names self-contained sewage disposal units specifically alongside dwellings as needing to sit above maximum flood heights.
Can utility lines run through the mapped floodplain?
Section 8.2.022 allows streets, utility lines, and structures in the flood plain only if raised above maximum flood heights or otherwise flood-protected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Davidson County

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Davidson County rules

Compare Davidson County to another location·View the North Carolina environmental rules overview

Get notified when Flood Elevation Requirements in Davidson County, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.