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Concord, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Concord, NC, 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: Floodplain Development Permit (ZCP)
Governing section: CDO Section 4.7.6
Max fine: $100 per day of violation
Max jail term: 30 days
FIS date: November 2, 1994 (Cabarrus County)

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Concord, NC.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Concord, NC on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Every development activity in Concord's Special Flood Hazard Areas needs a Floodplain Development Permit (ZCP) before work starts under CDO Section 4.7.6, and violating the floodplain ordinance is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to a $100 fine and 30 days in jail per day of violation.

D. ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (ZCP) A Floodplain Development Permit (ZCP) shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas... I. PENALITIES FOR VIOLATION Violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements... shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor pursuant to NC G.S. § 143-215.58... shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $100.00 or imprisoned for not more than thirty (30) days, or both. Each day such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

6(A) applies the floodplain ordinance to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within City jurisdiction, including its extraterritorial jurisdiction. 6(E) bars locating, extending, converting, altering, or developing any structure or land in these areas without full compliance with the ordinance. The Special Flood Hazard Areas themselves are established under a Cooperating Technical State agreement between North Carolina and FEMA, tied to the Flood Insurance Study dated November 2, 1994 for Cabarrus County and its DFIRM panels, which the ordinance adopts by reference along with all revisions.

6. C. Gen. 58, punishable on conviction by a fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

Violations & Fines

Undertaking development in a Special Flood Hazard Area without the required Floodplain Development Permit (ZCP), or breaching a variance or special use permit condition, is a Class 1 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.58 per CDO Section 4.7.6(I): a fine up to $100, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense. The City may also pursue other lawful remedies beyond the criminal penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit before building in a Concord floodplain?

Yes. CDO Section 4.7.6(D) requires a Floodplain Development Permit (ZCP) before any development activity begins within a Special Flood Hazard Area, on top of any other required City or state permits.

What happens if I develop in Concord's floodplain without a permit?

Section 4.7.6(I) makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-215.58, punishable by up to a $100 fine or up to 30 days imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Does Concord's floodplain ordinance apply outside city limits?

Yes, Section 4.7.6(A) extends the ordinance to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within Concord's jurisdiction, including its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), if applicable.

Sources & Official References

[1]Concord Development Ordinance, Article 4, Section 4.7 (Floodplain Life and Property Protection)

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