FEMA flood zone rules in Dearborn, MI — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Parts of Dearborn along the Rouge River lie in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Construction in these zones requires a floodplain development permit and elevation above the base flood elevation.
Dearborn participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces floodplain development standards for properties mapped within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, primarily along the Rouge River corridor on the south and east sides of the city. Community Panel FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) designate Zone AE and Zone A along the Rouge River. Any substantial improvement (work valued at 50 percent or more of market value) on a home in the floodplain must elevate the lowest floor at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation (freeboard). New construction also needs an EGLE floodplain permit under Part 31 of Public Act 451 when a regulated floodplain is involved. Fill, grading, and accessory structures in the floodplain are restricted. Homeowners in flood zones generally need flood insurance if they have a federally backed mortgage. Contact the Dearborn Floodplain Administrator at (313) 943-2150 before starting work.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle flood zones.
See how Dearborn's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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