York County, SC Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- York County Code § 151.36(A)-(B)
- Freeboard above BFE
- 2.0 feet minimum
- Basements below BFE
- Not permitted
- Applicable zones
- A, AE, AH, AO, A1-A30, V, VE
- Max fine
- $500 plus up to 30 days jail
- Chapter adopted
- Ord. 2508, 6-2-08
Summary
In York County's mapped special flood hazard areas, new and substantially improved residential and non-residential structures must have their lowest floor built at least two feet above the base flood elevation, with no basements allowed below BFE. Manufactured homes carry the same two-foot freeboard standard.
(A) Residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure (including manufactured homes) shall have the lowest floor, and the associated electrical, ventilation, and plumbing connections, heating and air conditioning equipment (including ductwork), and other service facilities, elevated no lower than two (2.0) feet above the base flood elevation. No basements are permitted below BFE. (B) Non-residential construction. New construction and substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial, or non-residential structure ... shall have the lowest floor ... elevated no lower than two (2.0) feet above the level of the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
C. 36 sets the specific construction standards that apply in Zones A, AE, AH, AO, A1-A30, V and VE once base flood elevation data exists for the site. 0 feet above the base flood elevation, and no basements are permitted below BFE. 0-foot freeboard applies to new or substantially improved commercial, industrial or other non-residential structures, though those may floodproof in lieu of elevating if a registered professional engineer or architect certifies the structure is watertight and can resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads, with an approved maintenance plan and annual exercise.
39 of the South Carolina Manufactured Housing Board Regulations; a chassis elevated more than 36 inches above grade needs an engineering certification. 36(D) requires flood openings, at least two on different walls, sized to one square inch of net open area per square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding, with the bottom of each opening no higher than one foot above grade. 36(E). The chapter has been amended repeatedly since its 2008 adoption, most recently in 2024.
Violations & Fines
Violating chapter 151's flood damage prevention standards, including the freeboard requirement, is a misdemeanor under § 151.99: a fine of up to $500, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. York County may also pursue any other lawful remedy to stop or correct the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above base flood elevation must a new home be built in York County?
Can a commercial building floodproof instead of elevating?
Do manufactured homes get the same freeboard requirement?
What is the penalty for violating York County's flood elevation rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
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