Gates, NY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Monroe County, NY has substantial flood risk driven by the Genesee River, Irondequoit Creek, Black Creek, Oatka Creek, and other tributaries, as well as Lake Ontario shoreline. In September 2022, FEMA released updated preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for parts of Monroe County covering Brighton, Greece, Hamlin, Irondequoit, Parma, Penfield, Webster, and Rochester. Any development within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA / Zone A or AE) requires a floodplain development permit from the local municipality's floodplain administrator (typically the code enforcement officer or building inspector). Each community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must have a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Development in floodways requires hydraulic analysis demonstrating no-rise in flood levels. Structures in SFHAs must have the lowest floor elevated to at least 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Structures damaged to 50% or more of market value (substantial damage) must be brought into full compliance. Monroe County participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), which provides discounted flood insurance premiums for county residents as a result of proactive flood management activities. Flood insurance through the NFIP is strongly recommended for properties in flood zones and may be required for federally backed mortgages. Use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) to check your property's flood zone.