Collierville, TN Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)
FEMA flood zone rules in Collierville, TN, 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
- Development permit before any development activity
- Administered by
- Development Director
- Floodway rule
- No encroachments without engineer's no-rise certification
- Unmapped streams
- No encroachments within twice the stream width each side
- Variances
- Board of Zoning Appeals under § 151.101
- Recreational vehicles
- Fewer than 180 consecutive days or ready for highway use
Summary
Development in Collierville's mapped flood hazard areas needs a development permit from the Development Director before any work starts. In designated floodways, § 151.100(F) bars encroachments, including fill, new construction and substantial improvements, unless a registered professional engineer certifies no increase in the base flood water surface elevation.
(F) Standards for areas of special flood hazard with established base flood elevation and with floodway designated. ... (1) No encroachments, including fill material, new construction, substantial improvements or other development shall be located within designated floodways, unless certification from a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that the cumulative effect of the proposed encroachments or new development will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood during the occurrence of the base flood discharge at any point within the community. ... (2) If subsection (F)(1) above is satisfied, new construction or substantial improvements of buildings shall be elevated or flood-proofed to elevations established in accordance with division (B) of this section.
Full Breakdown
The flood damage prevention rules in §§ 151.090 to 151.102 apply to all areas within the incorporated area of Collierville, Tennessee. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted them to establish eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program. The areas of special flood hazard are those on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map panels listed in § 151.093, with effective dates in 2007 and 2013.
A development permit is required before the commencement of any development activity. Under § 151.099 the Development Director administers the permit. Applications show the elevation of the proposed lowest floor of every building, the flood-proofed elevation for nonresidential buildings where base flood data exist, an engineer or architect certificate for flood-proofing, and a description of how any watercourse will be altered or relocated. After the lowest floor is placed, the permit holder submits an as-built elevation certification prepared by or under the supervision of a registered land surveyor, professional engineer or architect. Work undertaken before the certification is submitted is at the permit holder's risk, and failure to submit the survey or make corrections is cause for a stop-work order.
Section 151.100 sets the standards. In all flood prone areas, new construction and substantial improvements must be anchored, built with flood-resistant materials and methods, and have electrical, heating, plumbing and air conditioning equipment located to keep water out. In designated floodways, § 151.100(F) bars encroachments unless an engineer certifies no rise in the base flood elevation. In A1-30 and AE zones with a base flood elevation but no floodway, § 151.100(C) bars encroachments unless an engineer certifies the base flood will not rise more than one foot at any point within the community. Along unmapped streams, § 151.100(G) keeps encroachments out of an area at least equal to twice the width of the stream along each side, unless an engineer gives the same one-foot certification. Subdivision proposals greater than 50 lots and/or five acres must provide base flood elevation data under § 151.100(H)(4). Recreational vehicles must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet new construction standards.
The Board of Zoning Appeals hears variances and appeals under § 151.101.
Violations & Fines
Section 151.102 makes a violation of the subchapter, or of conditions attached to a variance or special exception, punishable as provided by law, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense. The Town can also take other lawful actions to prevent or remedy a violation. The cross-referenced penalty in § 10.99 is a fine of not more than $50 or the maximum amount permitted by state law, whichever is greater. A missing as-built elevation certification can bring a stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in a Collierville flood zone?
Can I fill or build in a designated floodway?
What about creeks that are not on the FEMA map?
Who decides a flood rule variance or boundary dispute?
Are there as-built paperwork requirements after construction starts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Collierville
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Flood Zones in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle flood zones.