FEMA flood zone rules in District of Columbia, DC — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
DC's floodplain management is administered by DOEE under 20 DCMR Chapter 31. A 2025 rule expanded the regulated area to include the 500-year floodplain in addition to the 100-year floodplain. DC participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Key flood-risk areas include the Anacostia River corridor, Potomac waterfront, and Rock Creek watershed.
DOEE administers DC's flood hazard regulations under 20 DCMR Chapter 31 (Flood Hazard Rules). A landmark 2025 final rule expanded the regulated flood area to include the FEMA 500-year floodplain in addition to the traditional 100-year floodplain, addressing climate change and sea level rise impacts. DC participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and DOEE regulates development in floodplains to maintain eligibility. New construction and substantial improvements in the floodplain must comply with elevation requirements and flood-resistant construction standards. Stormwater management under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 requires erosion/sediment control plans for 50+ sq ft of land disturbance and full stormwater management plans for 5,000+ sq ft. DC operates under a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit. The Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program allows off-site compliance through credit purchases.
Floodplain violations jeopardize DC's NFIP participation and may result in denial of flood insurance. Development violations carry civil fines and mandatory remediation.
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See how District of Columbia's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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