Erie, PA Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article 945 of the Erie Codified Ordinances, adopted by Ordinance No. 12-2017, makes it unlawful for any person, partnership, business or corporation to undertake or cause to be undertaken any construction or development anywhere in the city's identified floodplain area without first obtaining a permit from the Floodplain Administrator, a role assigned to the City Engineer within the Department of Public Works, Property and Parks, Bureau of Engineering (or the Mayor if the post is vacant). The identified floodplain area is defined by the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps FEMA issued for Erie on June 7, 2017, plus any later revisions.

Applicants must file a written application showing the site plan, existing and proposed structures, drainage, and, if the work falls in a mapped floodplain, must demonstrate the utilities are located to avoid flood damage, structures are anchored against flotation, and materials are flood-resistant. The Floodplain Administrator forwards a copy of every application to the County Conservation District for review before deciding. Work must start within 180 days of permit issuance and finish within 12 months, or the permit expires unless the Administrator grants a written extension.

Within any floodway, no fill, new construction or other encroachment is allowed unless hydrologic and hydraulic analysis shows it will not raise flood levels; a rise capped at one foot is allowed in AE areas without a mapped floodway, subject to the same engineering showing. Article 945 supersedes any conflicting local provision but yields to any other ordinance that is more restrictive. Decisions of the Floodplain Administrator can be appealed in writing to the Zoning Hearing Board within 30 days.