Catoosa County, GA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Catoosa County, GA, 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
- Before any development activity
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine / 30 days
- FIS/map date
- September 11, 2009
- Floodway rule
- Encroachment barred absent engineering proof
- Critical facilities
- Barred from 100-yr and 500-yr floodplain
- Administrator
- Catoosa County Stormwater Director
Summary
Building, filling or altering land within a mapped special flood hazard area in unincorporated Catoosa County requires a development permit under the county's Flood Damage Prevention ordinance before any work starts. Violating the ordinance is a criminal offense punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day a separate offense.
C.Establishment of Development Permit. A development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this Section prior to the commencement of any development activities. ... Any person who violates this Section or fails to comply with any of its requirements shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both, and in addition, shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Section 3.08.00 of the UDC's Article III adopts FEMA's September 11, 2009 Flood Insurance Study and accompanying maps for Catoosa County, and Section 3.08.02.A applies the ordinance to all areas of special flood hazard within the county's jurisdiction. Section 3.08.02.C requires a development permit in conformance with the provisions of the Section prior to the commencement of any development activities, and Section 3.08.02.D bars locating, extending, converting or altering any structure or land without full compliance. The Stormwater Director administers permits under Section 3.08.03, reviewing elevation certifications, flood-proofing design data stamped by a professional engineer, and as-built surveys once construction is done.
General standards in Section 3.08.04.A require new construction and substantial improvements to be anchored against flotation and lateral movement, built with flood-damage-resistant materials, and, where an enclosed area sits below the lowest floor, fitted with flood vents equal to at least one square inch of opening per square foot of enclosed area. Floodways get the tightest control: Section 3.08.04.B(4) prohibits encroachments, including fill and new construction, within the regulatory floodway unless engineering analysis certified by a professional engineer proves the project won't raise flood levels or floodway widths.
Subdivisions and developments larger than 50 lots or five acres must supply their own base flood elevation data under Section 3.08.04.E, and critical facilities like hospitals and emergency operations centers are barred outright from the 100-year and 500-year floodplains under Section 3.08.04.F. Appeals and variances go to the Board of Commissioners under Section 3.08.05, with further appeal to Catoosa County Superior Court.
Violations & Fines
Section 3.08.02.H makes failure to comply with the ordinance, including violating conditions attached to a variance, a criminal offense: a conviction carries a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both, plus the cost of prosecution, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense on top of any other lawful enforcement action the county pursues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Catoosa County flood zone?
What's the penalty for building in a Catoosa County floodplain without a permit?
Can I fill or build within the regulatory floodway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Catoosa County
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