Craven County, NC Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Section 18-6 sets Chapter 18's reach: it applies to all special flood hazard areas within Craven County's jurisdiction, as identified on the FEMA-adopted flood insurance rate maps under § 18-7. Section 18-8 then establishes the core permit requirement: a floodplain development permit is required, in conformance with the chapter, before any development activity can begin within those special flood hazard areas. 'Development' under § 18-5 sweeps broadly, covering buildings and structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling and storage of equipment or materials. Applications go to the floodplain administrator, the chief building inspector under § 18-25, and § 18-26 requires a scaled plot plan showing the flood zone designation, floodway boundaries, base flood elevation and the proposed elevation or floodproofing method for the reference level of every structure.

Section 18-9 backs this up with a general compliance clause: no structure or land may be located, extended, converted, altered or developed without full compliance with the chapter. The floodplain administrator can issue stop-work orders, revoke permits for false statements or substantial departures from approved plans, and refer corrective orders to a hearing under § 18-28. S. 00 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, with each day of continuing violation treated as a separate offense.