Elko County, NV Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 4-13, Flood Damage Prevention, applies under § 4-13-3-1 to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the county of Elko. An area of special flood hazard is land subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any given year, shown on the FIRM as zone A, AO, AH, A1-30 or AE. Section 4-13-3-2 adopts the Flood Insurance Study For The County Of Elko, dated March 16, 1992, with its flood insurance rate map, and keeps it on file at the department of community development, 155 South Ninth Street, Elko, NV 89801.

Under § 4-13-3-3 no structure or land can be constructed, located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the chapter. The permit rule in § 4-13-4-1 asks for plans showing NGVD elevation or topography, the base flood elevation, proposed finish floor elevations, fill, storage of materials and drainage facilities, plus a description of any watercourse that will be altered or relocated. The Board of County Commissioners designates the Elko County floodplain administrator, who grants or denies each permit under § 4-13-4-2. That administrator reviews every proposal of five (5) parcels or more so that flood discharge leaving the development is equal to or less than the discharge before development.

Floodway encroachments, including fill and new construction, are prohibited under § 4-13-5-1(C)3 unless a technical evaluation shows no increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge. Section 4-13-5-2 prohibits storing or processing materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive or injurious to life in time of flooding. The zoning code adds an FP Flood Plain District in § 4-7-4, where the Planning Commission can require a use permit.