FEMA flood zone rules in Cuyahoga County, OH — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Cuyahoga County has significant flood risk from Lake Erie shoreline, the Cuyahoga River, Rocky River, Chagrin River, and numerous tributaries. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) were updated in 2019-2020. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs, Zones AE and A) require federal flood insurance if federally backed mortgages are in place. Lake Erie coastal communities (Bay Village, Rocky River, Bratenahl, Euclid) face flooding and erosion from high-water years.
Cuyahoga County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through each participating municipality. Cleveland, Lakewood, Bay Village, Rocky River, and most riverside communities enforce floodplain ordinances restricting construction in SFHAs: lowest floor must be elevated 1 to 2 feet above base flood elevation. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Management administers Lake Erie shoreline setbacks and erosion control. 2019 Lake Erie high water and the Cuyahoga River Flats experienced significant flooding. Community Rating System (CRS) participation reduces flood insurance premiums in some communities.
Unpermitted construction in floodplain triggers federal mandatory removal. FEMA insurance claims denied for violations. Ohio Coastal Erosion Area setback violations: $1,000 to $10,000 per day.
Cuyahoga County, OH
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See how Cuyahoga County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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