Cleveland, OH Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Codified Ordinances § 3167.03(c) states plainly that "it shall be unlawful for any person to begin construction or other development activity including but not limited to filling, grading, construction, alteration, remodeling, or expanding any structure; or alteration of any watercourse" within, partially within, or in contact with an identified special flood hazard area "until a floodplain development permit is obtained from the Floodplain Administrator." Applications, filed before construction begins, must include scaled site plans showing structures, fill, and drainage; the elevation of existing natural ground; and the elevation of the lowest floor of proposed structures (§ 3167.03(d)(1)-(3)), plus an application fee set under § 3105.25(b)(1).

Depending on the project, applicants may also owe technical studies: floodproofing certification for non-residential buildings, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis showing no more than a one-foot rise in base flood elevation where a floodway hasn't been mapped, or an engineering analysis proving zero rise within a designated floodway (§ 3167.03(d)(5)). The Floodplain Administrator must approve or deny a complete application within 30 days; an issued permit is conditioned on work starting within 180 days and expires 180 days after issuance if the activity isn't substantially underway (§ 3167.03(e)(2)).

The administrator also makes periodic inspections during construction (§ 3167.03(f)) and can revoke a permit if the actual work doesn't match what was approved, with revocation appealable to the Cleveland Board of Building Standards under § 3167.05 (§ 3167.03(h)). Minor work such as roofing, painting, basement sealing, or nonstructural activity valued under $2,500 (excluding filling and grading) does not need a permit (§ 3167.03(i)(1)). Development in a floodway that would raise flood levels needs additional showings, including alternatives analysis and notice to every affected property owner, plus concurrence of the Mayor of Cleveland (§ 3167.04(i)(1)).