Garland County, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Sec. , which delegates flood-loss regulation to local governments, and the Quorum Court ordained the article on that authority. Sec. 26-32 cites FEMA's Flood Insurance Study for Garland County, dated January 20, 2010, with a flood insurance rate map (FIRM) effective the same date, as the basis for identifying special flood hazard areas. Sec. 26-36 adopts by reference a standalone 'Flood Damage Prevention Code for Garland County, Arkansas,' organized into definitions, administration, and provisions for flood hazard reduction; a copy is kept in the county judge's office for public inspection during normal hours.

Sec. 26-34 applies the ordinance to all special flood hazard areas within the county's jurisdiction, and Sec. 26-40 requires full compliance before constructing, locating, substantially altering, or changing the use of any structure or land after the effective date. Sec. 26-35 lists the methods used: restricting or prohibiting uses that adversely affect health, safety or property during flooding; requiring flood protection at initial construction or after substantial improvement or damage; controlling alteration of floodplains, stream channels and natural protective barriers; controlling floodplain development activities such as grading, dredging, fill placement, and drainage or roadway construction that could raise flood elevations; and regulating flood barriers that could divert floodwaters onto other land. Sec. 26-37 makes the more stringent standard control whenever the article conflicts with another ordinance, easement, covenant or deed restriction.