Prince George's County, MD Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Section 32-202(a)(1) recites the County's findings that FEMA has identified special flood hazard areas 'subject to periodic inundation which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base.' The same subsection notes that the County, by resolution, agreed to meet National Flood Insurance Program requirements and was accepted into the program on August 4, 1972, with all development from that date required to comply.

Section 32-204(a) directs the Department to establish the County floodplain as the area subject to inundation by the 1-percent annual chance (100-year) flood, mapped on official floodplain maps, and Section 32-204(b) extends that floodplain to FEMA Zones A, AE, A1-30, AH, AO, VE and V1-30, wetland floodplains, and areas identified in County watershed studies or GIS-based floodplain models.

Section 32-205(a) prohibits any development in the County floodplain except as fits the permitted categories in Subsection (b), 'unless a waiver is obtained from the Department,' with permitted uses limited to things like flood-proofed improvements to existing structures, utilities meeting the Division's design standards, road crossings, and stormwater facilities.

Section 32-209(a) requires a permit for essentially all floodplain development, including new construction, substantial improvements, manufactured homes, fill and new infrastructure, submitted alongside any building or grading permit application, with a detailed floodplain study required unless the drainage area is under 50 acres and the Department waives it. Appeals of Department decisions go to the Board of Appeals within 10 days under Section 32-210.