Ankeny, IA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Ankeny Code of Ordinances § 193.01(12)(A) requires a flood plain development permit from the Zoning Administrator before any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate begins in a mapped flood hazard area, including new structures, factory-built home placement, mining, filling, grading, paving, excavation and drilling operations. Under § 193.01(12)(B), the application must include a description of the proposed work; a description of the land (lot, block, tract, or street address); the location and dimensions of buildings and alterations; the intended use or occupancy; the elevation of the base flood; the elevation of the lowest floor, including any basement, referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988; for remodels, the estimated cost of improvements against the building's market value; and any other information the Zoning Administrator deems necessary.

Under § 193.01(12)(C), the Administrator reviews the application against the Zoning Ordinance's flood plain standards and must approve or disapprove within a reasonable time, giving written reasons for any denial; permits for conditional uses or variances can issue only as directed by the Board of Adjustment. Section 193.01(12)(D) ties the permit to the approved plans: construction that departs from what was authorized is a violation, and before occupancy the applicant must submit certification from a professional engineer or Iowa-licensed land surveyor that the fill, floor elevations, and floodproofing match the approved plans.

The regulations apply wherever the Flood Insurance Rate Maps show a flood hazard area and keep Ankeny property owners eligible for National Flood Insurance Program coverage.