Biloxi, MS Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Biloxi participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System. After Katrina (Aug. 29, 2005) drove a 28-foot storm surge across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and pushed the floodplain inland past the historic 100-year and 500-year boundaries, the city adopted FEMA's revised DFIRM in May 2009 and amended Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 - Flood Damage Prevention. Article I (Sections 8-1-1 to 8-1-6) sets purpose, applicability, and definitions; Article II governs administration and the Floodplain Administrator; Article III (Sections 8-3-1 et seq.) sets specific flood hazard area standards. Biloxi requires 1 foot of freeboard above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for new construction and substantial improvements. In A-zones (riverine/inland) the top of the lowest floor must be at or above BFE plus 1 ft; in V-zones (coastal high-hazard, subject to wave action) the bottom of the lowest horizontal structural member must be at or above BFE plus 1 ft, and structures must be on open piles or columns with breakaway walls below. Substantial improvement / substantial damage thresholds (50% of pre-improvement market value) trigger full compliance under 44 CFR §59.1 / §60.3. Elevation Certificates (FEMA Form 086-0-33) are required at permit application and post-construction. Fill is restricted in floodways; new structures in V zones are barred from being constructed seaward of mean high tide. Permit review is handled by the Biloxi Community Development Department / Floodplain Administrator, (228) 435-6280, planning@biloxi.ms.us. Federal law: National Flood Insurance Act, 42 U.S.C. §4001 et seq.; 44 CFR Parts 59-60. State enabling: Miss. Code Ann. §17-1-3 et seq. (zoning) and §17-2-1 et seq. (building codes).