Does Benton County, WA have its own flood zones ordinance?

No. Benton County, WA does not appear to have a local flood zones ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Revised Code of Washington.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Benton County

Benton County, WA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Benton County, WA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Program: National Flood Insurance Program
State Law: Flood Control Zone Act, RCW 86.16
Requirement: Lowest floor above BFE
Floodway: No new residential structures
Rivers: Columbia and Yakima

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Benton County, WA.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Benton County, WA on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Benton County enforces floodplain rules along the Columbia and Yakima rivers. In FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, new homes must be elevated above base flood elevation, and building in the floodway is barred.

City-specific rules exist: Kennewick has its own flood zones rules that differ from Benton County's county-level regulations. If you live in Kennewick, check the city-specific page instead.

Beginning July 26, 1987, every county and incorporated city and town shall submit to the department of ecology any new floodplain management ordinance or amendment to any existing floodplain management ordinance.

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

Benton County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain management standards. Properties in FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Columbia and Yakima river floodplains must meet minimum construction standards: new and substantially improved structures must have their lowest floor elevated above base flood elevation, and a floodplain development permit is required for building, fill, or grading. Washington's Flood Control Zone Act, RCW 86.16, directs the Department of Ecology to review local floodplain ordinances. Residential construction in the designated floodway is prohibited, and flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in these zones.

Violations & Fines

Building below base flood elevation or placing fill or structures in the floodway without a floodplain development permit violates county rules and NFIP standards, forcing corrective elevation, removal, and loss of insurance eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Benton County property in a flood zone?

Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or the county Planning Division. Much of the Columbia and Yakima river bottomland sits in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Can I build in the floodway?

New residential construction in the designated floodway is prohibited. Only limited repairs that do not increase ground-floor area or exceed half the structure's value are allowed.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Code of Washington

Other rules in Benton County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Coastal DevelopmentHeavy Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingFew Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Benton County rules

Compare Benton County to another location·View the Washington environmental rules overview

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Benton County

Kennewick, WA