Franklin County, KY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

The Franklin County Fiscal Court adopted its flood damage prevention subchapter within the zoning chapter. Section 155.301 adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Franklin County dated 9-28-2007 and its Flood Insurance Rate Maps, and the maps are on file at County Planning and Zoning at 315 West Main Street, Room 305. Section 155.302(A) requires a development permit before any development activity in the special flood hazard areas, on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator. Under § 155.308 the Fiscal Court appoints the Director of Planning and Building Codes as Floodplain Administrator, who grants or denies permits.

The application under § 155.309 includes plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the area, and the proposed elevation of the lowest floor in Zone A. After the lowest floor is placed, the permit holder must submit an as-built elevation certification to the Floodplain Administrator and the state, and failure to submit the survey or make required corrections is cause for a stop-work order.

The elevation standard is in § 155.311(A): new construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure or manufactured home must have the lowest floor, including basement, mechanical equipment and ductwork elevated no lower than two feet above the base flood elevation. In an AO Zone the structure must be elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if the FIRM shows no depth number. On completion, a registered professional engineer or surveyor must certify the elevation, and the Community Building Inspection Department verifies it. Accessory structures in A zones are limited by § 155.315 to non-habitable storage or parking.

Under § 155.303, no structure or land can be constructed, located, extended, converted or structurally altered without full compliance, and a violation is a misdemeanor. Section 155.304 provides that where this subchapter and another ordinance or deed restriction overlap, the more stringent one prevails. Section 155.317 covers appeals and variances. Frankfort has its own code and is separate.