Dunedin's Chapter 105 floodplain regulations apply to construction in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. New buildings and substantial improvements must meet base flood elevation, freeboard, and the FEMA 50% rule for renovations.
Dunedin's Chapter 105, Division 4 floodplain management ordinance is administered alongside the Florida Building Code. The Building Official serves as Floodplain Administrator and issues required floodplain development permits. Section 105-42.2.3 establishes flood hazard areas based on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps. New construction in A and V zones must meet or exceed the base flood elevation plus required freeboard, and V-zone structures need certified breakaway walls and pile foundations. Substantial improvements or substantial damage triggers the FEMA 50% rule: when the cumulative cost of repairs or upgrades meets or exceeds 50% of the structure's market value, the entire building must be brought up to current floodplain standards.
Building below required elevations or without floodplain permits can void flood insurance, force costly retrofits, trigger fines, and result in NFIP suspension risks for the city.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle flood zones.
See how Dunedin's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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