Bowling Green, KY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 28 of the Bowling Green Code of Ordinances, Flood Damage Prevention, was created in its entirety by Ord. BG2007-13 (April 17, 2007) and amended most recently by Ord. BG2025-22 (September 16, 2025). It applies citywide to every Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) mapped on the Warren County Flood Insurance Study dated May 2, 2007, and its accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps, per Sec. 28-3.02. Before any development activity begins in an SFHA, the property owner must obtain a Development Permit on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator (Sec.

28-3.03). The Board of Commissioners designates the Executive Director of the City-County Planning Commission, at 1141 State Street, as the Floodplain Administrator (Sec. 28-4.01). Applications must show proposed elevations relative to Mean Sea Level, and for non-residential flood-proofed structures, a certification from a registered professional engineer or architect (Sec. 28-4.02). Once the lowest floor is placed, the permit holder must submit an elevation certification before construction continues; failure to do so allows the Administrator to issue a stop-work order (Sec. 28-4.02(b), 28-4.03(b)(6)(7)). New construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure or manufactured home must have its lowest floor, including basement and mechanical equipment, elevated at least 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation (Sec.

28-5.02(a)). A floodplain construction permit expires if construction has not started within 180 calendar days of issuance (Sec. 28-4.03(b)(10)). The Administrator may revoke a permit for misrepresentation or noncompliance and may enter premises to inspect after presenting credentials or, if refused, after securing an inspection warrant (Sec. 28-4.03(b)(6),(8)).