FEMA flood zone rules in Clinton, MS — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Clinton adopted its current Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance on September 17, 2019. The ordinance incorporates by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Hinds County, Mississippi and Incorporated Areas dated November 18, 2009, with FIRM panels 28049C0125H–28049C0287H. Article 5 requires all new residential and non-residential construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area to elevate the lowest floor — including basement — to at least 18 inches above the Base Flood Elevation, and to elevate utility and HVAC equipment 18 inches above BFE. The Building Official serves as Floodplain Administrator (Article 4, Section A).
Clinton's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance — effective September 17, 2019 — implements the National Flood Insurance Program for the city under Mississippi enabling authority. Article 3, Section B adopts the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Hinds County, Mississippi and Incorporated Areas dated November 18, 2009, together with FIRM panels 28049C0125H, 0140H, 0145H, 0260H, 0270H, 0276H, 0277H, 0278H, 0279H, 0281H, 0282H, 0283H, 0284H, 0286H, and 0287H. A Floodplain Development Permit is required (Article 3, Section C) before any development activity in an SFHA, with permit applications, FEMA Elevation Certificates, and finished-construction certificates filed with the Floodplain Administrator (Article 4, Section B). Article 5, Section A imposes general standards: anchoring against flotation, flood-resistant materials, and electrical/HVAC/plumbing equipment placed at least 18 inches above the BFE. Article 5, Section B(1) requires new and substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor — including basement — to at least 18 inches above the BFE; B(2) requires the same 18-inch elevation for non-residential, with dry-floodproofing allowed only where flood velocity is at or below 5 feet per second. Substantial Improvement is defined (Article 2) as any combination of work over a 10-year period equal to or exceeding 50 percent of pre-improvement market value. Section H sets civil penalties up to $5,000 or 180 days' imprisonment per offense, with each day a separate offense. The Building Official is the designated Floodplain Administrator.
Article 3, Section H makes any violation of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to 180 days, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, plus all costs and expenses. The Floodplain Administrator may issue stop-work orders (Article 4, Section C(2)) and revoke permits (Section C(3)) for false statements or non-conforming construction. Federal lenders cannot close federally-backed mortgages on SFHA properties without flood insurance under 42 U.S.C. §4012a. Non-compliance can also place Clinton on NFIP probation or suspension, raising flood-insurance rates city-wide. Apply for permits through the Office of Community Development, 961 Hwy 80 East, Clinton.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Hinds County.
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