Decatur, AL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article II of Chapter 25, adopted by Ordinance No. 24-4577 on February 5, 2024, is Decatur's floodplain management ordinance. Section 25-30(a) applies it to all FEMA special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) and any additional areas the city designates as floodplains or areas subject to flooding. Section 25-30(b) adopts by reference the Flood Insurance Study dated August 16, 2018, with its Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and for annexed land adopts the current effective study data for Morgan and Limestone Counties. Under § 25-30(c), an approved development permit is required before the commencement of any development in identified SFHAs, and § 25-30(d) bars locating, extending, converting, altering or developing any structure or land without full compliance.

The director serves as floodplain administrator under § 25-31. Applications need plot plans with base flood elevations, the flood zone, the lowest floor elevation and a foundation plan, certified by a licensed Alabama engineer or surveyor. Work started before approval is at the permit holder's risk, and a FEMA elevation certificate is due before a certificate of occupancy.

Inside the floodway, § 25-32(c)2 prohibits encroachments, including fill, unless an engineer's no-rise certificate shows no increase in base flood elevations, and fill in a floodway is prohibited outright. Land within the 100-year floodplain cannot be used for dumping or for wells used to obtain drinking water. New critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations belong outside the SFHA, or if allowed there, need the lowest floor two feet above the base flood elevation.

Variances go to the board of adjustment under § 25-33 and require good and sufficient cause and exceptional hardship, and none are issued after the fact. An applicant who receives one gets written notice that insurance rates can rise by hundreds or thousands of dollars annually.