FEMA flood zone rules in Bellevue, WA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Bellevue regulates development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas under LUC 20.25H.150. Properties near Kelsey Creek, Coal Creek, and Lake Washington shoreline may require elevation and floodplain permits.
Bellevue participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates Special Flood Hazard Areas through Land Use Code 20.25H.150 (Flood Hazard Regulations) and the Critical Areas Overlay. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify 100-year floodplain areas primarily along Kelsey Creek, Coal Creek, Mercer Slough, Lewis Creek, and portions of the Lake Washington shoreline. New residential structures in Zone AE must have the lowest floor elevated at least 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation (freeboard requirement). Substantial improvements exceeding 50 percent of structure value trigger full compliance. Non-residential structures may be dry floodproofed to the same elevation. Fill, grading, and accessory structures in floodways are strictly limited. A floodplain development permit is required in addition to standard building permits. Property owners can check flood zone status via the Bellevue Utilities GIS map or FEMA Map Service Center. Flood insurance is federally required for mortgaged properties in Zone AE. Contact Development Services at 425-452-6800 with flood zone questions.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle flood zones.
See how Bellevue's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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