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Broken Arrow, OK Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

Permit required by: § 25-307, before construction
Applies in: regulatory flood area (§ 25-304)
New habitable structures: barred in floodway
Issuing official: floodplain administrator

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 Broken Arrow, OK.

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 Broken Arrow, OK on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

Broken Arrow requires a floodplain development permit before any construction begins in the city's mapped regulatory flood area.

A floodplain development permit shall be required to assure conformity with the provisions of this chapter and to insure that new development is constructed in a manner that minimizes exposure to flooding. A floodplain development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins in any area in the regulatory flood area established in section 25-304. Application for a floodplain development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the floodplain administrator.
(Ord. No. 3843, § I, 8-20-2024)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 43).

Full Breakdown

Broken Arrow Code § 25-307 requires a floodplain development permit to assure conformity with Chapter 25 before construction or development begins in the regulatory flood area established under § 25-304, which adopts FEMA's FIRM panels for Tulsa and Wagoner counties by reference. Section 25-306 bars locating, altering, or changing the use of any structure or land within the regulatory flood area without full compliance, and no new habitable structures may be built in the floodplain itself under § 25-310. Applications go to the floodplain administrator on city-furnished forms and undergo the review standards in § 25-308-309.

Violations & Fines

Building or developing in Broken Arrow's regulatory flood area without a floodplain development permit violates Chapter 25 and can trigger permit denial, stop-work action, and enforcement under the floodplain provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build in Broken Arrow's floodplain without a permit?

No. § 25-307 requires a floodplain development permit before any construction or development begins in the city's regulatory flood area.

Does Broken Arrow allow new homes directly in the floodway?

No. § 25-310 bars new habitable structures from being constructed or placed within the regulatory floodplain.

Sources & Official References

[1]Broken Arrow, OK Code of Ordinances § 25-304, § 25-307

Other rules in Broken Arrow

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Broken Arrow rules

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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle flood zones.

Tulsa, OK