FEMA flood zone rules in Jackson County, MS — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Jackson County enforces FEMA floodplain standards with post-Katrina elevation requirements. Most of southern Jackson County lies in Special Flood Hazard Areas (V, AE, A zones). Base Flood Elevation plus 1-3 feet freeboard required. Flood insurance mandatory for federally-backed mortgages.
Jackson County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces strict floodplain management following Hurricane Katrina's devastating 2005 storm surge that flooded much of Pascagoula, Moss Point, and Gautier. Most of southern Jackson County lies in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), with V-zones along direct Gulf frontage, AE-zones throughout coastal neighborhoods, and A-zones inland. New construction and substantial improvements (50% or more of market value) must be elevated at minimum to Base Flood Elevation plus 1 foot freeboard in Jackson County, with some cities requiring 2-3 feet. V-zone construction requires pile or column foundations with breakaway walls below BFE. Fill in floodways is prohibited under MS §51-35-1 et seq. Flood insurance is required for federally-backed mortgages in SFHAs. Jackson County Emergency Management maintains updated FIRMs. Post-Katrina building code (2006 IRC/IBC with Mississippi amendments) includes 150 mph wind requirements in southern coastal counties.
Construction below BFE: retroactive compliance, fines $500 to $5,000, loss of flood insurance eligibility. Floodway encroachment: removal order under MS §51-35. Substantial improvement without elevation: CDBG/FEMA disaster assistance ineligibility. NFIP community sanctions possible.
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