FEMA flood zone rules in Gilbert, AZ — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Gilbert participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain regulations. Flash flooding is a significant hazard during monsoon season. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County manages regional flood infrastructure. Properties in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas must meet elevation and construction requirements. Desert washes and retention basins are critical flood infrastructure.
Gilbert has participated in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program since the 1980s with a Floodplain Management Ordinance originally adopted in January 1980 and most recently updated in August 2023. The town earned an improved Community Rating System (CRS) score, providing a 20% reduction in flood insurance rates for the 218 policies in Gilbert's Special Flood Hazard Areas (effective October 2024). Average annual premium savings are approximately $41 per policy. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Gilbert were last updated in October 2013, with FEMA conducting a Chandler/Gilbert Floodplain Delineation Study for updates. The interactive mapping tool at gilbertaz.gov allows property-specific flood zone lookups. New construction or substantial improvements in SFHAs must comply with floodplain regulations.
Building in SFHA without compliance: stop-work order. Construction below BFE: required elevation or demolition. NFIP eligibility affected by non-compliance.
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert is near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Williams Gateway training areas. Aircraft noise is federally regulated and exempt from local noise ordinance...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert supports EV adoption through development standards. Residential EV charger installation requires electrical permits. New developments may include EV-...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert restricts large commercial vehicles in residential areas. All vehicles must be on improved surfaces, and commercial vehicles should not create a comm...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert regulates fence heights through the Land Development Code. Residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side and rear yards, with lower limi...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert's Land Development Code specifies acceptable fence materials. Block walls, wrought iron, and vinyl are standard. Barbed wire is prohibited in residen...
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert Town Code Ch. 10 limits residential dogs/cats and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. MCACC investigates with Gilbert Police; kennel pe...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle flood zones.
See how Gilbert's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.