Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Davenport

Davenport, IA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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

FEMA flood zone rules in Davenport, IA, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Code: Municipal Code Ch. 15.44
Freeboard: BFE plus 1 foot
Flood Maps: FEMA FIRM, April 11, 2024
Permanent Floodwall: None; temporary barriers used
CRS: City participates, lowers premiums

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 Davenport, IA.

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 Davenport, IA on the FEMA flood map

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

Summary

Davenport enforces floodplain rules under Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Mississippi River. New buildings must sit one foot above base flood elevation, and any development below that elevation needs a floodplain development permit.

Shall mean the elevation of the base flood or 100-year frequency flood plus one foot of freeboard at any given location in the SFHA.

Source: Davenport Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).

Full Breakdown

Unusually for a major Mississippi River city, Davenport has no permanent floodwall or levee protecting downtown, relying instead on floodplain management and temporary barriers during floods. Chapter 15.44 adopts the Scott County Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective April 11, 2024 (Ordinance 2024-98). Structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area must be elevated to the flood protection elevation: the base flood elevation plus one foot of freeboard. Floodway obstructions that raise the base flood more than one foot are barred, and substantial improvements exceeding 50% of market value trigger full compliance. The city participates in FEMA's Community Rating System, which lowers resident flood-insurance premiums.

Violations & Fines

Development below base flood elevation without a permit is a misdemeanor under Section 15.44.190, with retroactive elevation or floodproofing required; noncompliance also jeopardizes the city's National Flood Insurance Program eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Davenport have a floodwall?

No. Davenport is one of the largest U.S. cities on the Mississippi without a permanent floodwall or levee. It manages flood risk through Chapter 15.44 floodplain rules and temporary barriers deployed during high water.

How high must I build in the flood zone?

To the flood protection elevation: one foot above the base flood elevation shown on the FEMA maps. An elevation certificate documents compliance and sets your flood-insurance rate.

Sources & Official References

[1]Davenport Municipal Code

Other rules in Davenport

Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Coastal DevelopmentSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions Sign Regulations: Holiday DisplaysFew Restrictions Sign Regulations: Garage Sale SignsSome Restrictions

All Davenport rules

Compare Davenport to another location·View the Iowa environmental rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.