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Kokomo, IN Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Kokomo, IN, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Permit required: Before any development in a mapped SFHA
Administrator: Director of City Plan Commission
Governing map: Howard County FIRM dated Feb. 4, 2015
Maximum fine: $2,500 per violation
Separate offense: Each day violation continues
Insurance risk: Willful violation may suspend flood coverage

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Kokomo, IN.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Kokomo, IN on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

In the City of Kokomo, any development activity inside a mapped special flood hazard area requires a floodplain development permit before work begins. The Director of the City Plan Commission serves as Floodplain Administrator and reviews applications, elevation certificates and floodproofing plans under Chapter 159 of the city code.

§ 159.18 ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT. ... A floodplain development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard. ... § 159.36 FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. An application for a floodplain development permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator for all development activities located wholly within, partially within, or in contact with an identified special flood hazard area. ... § 159.99 PENALTY. Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit in the SFHA or failure to comply with the requirements of a floodplain development permit or conditions of a variance shall be deemed to be a violation of this chapter. All violations shall be considered a common nuisance and be treated as such in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Code for the City of Kokomo, Indiana. All violations shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,500. (A) A separate offense shall be deemed to occur for each day the violation continues to exist.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Kokomo Code of Ordinances Chapter 159 governs construction in areas of special flood hazard (SFHA) identified on the Howard County, Indiana Flood Insurance Rate Map dated February 4, 2015. Under § 159.18, a floodplain development permit is required before the commencement of any development activity in an SFHA, and § 159.19 bars locating, extending, converting or structurally altering any structure in the SFHA without full compliance. Applications go to the Floodplain Administrator, a role the Common Council assigns under § 159.35 to the Director of the City Plan Commission.

Section 159.36 requires site plans showing elevations, drainage facilities and existing structures, plus lowest-floor elevation in NAVD 88 for structures in Zones A and AE, flood opening specifications, anchoring plans, and flood-resistant materials below the flood protection grade; watercourse alterations need DNR approval and a FEMA Conditional Letter of Map Revision. After construction, owners must submit an elevation certificate prepared by a registered land surveyor, and floodproofed non-residential structures need a certificate from a registered engineer or architect. Variances follow § 159.40. Where mapped floodplain data conflicts with actual ground elevations, § 159.21 makes the FIRM profile elevation govern unless a LOMA or LOMR-FW is obtained.

Violations & Fines

Failure to obtain a floodplain development permit, or failure to meet its requirements or variance conditions, is a violation of Chapter 159 under § 159.99, treated as a common nuisance under the Kokomo Zoning Code and punishable by a fine of up to $2,500. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense. The Director of the City Plan Commission must also inform the owner that the violation is a willful act that may suspend standard flood insurance coverage, and the city may pursue other lawful remedies with costs charged to the responsible party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers floodplain permits in Kokomo?

The Director of the City Plan Commission, designated the Floodplain Administrator by the Common Council under § 159.35, reviews and issues floodplain development permits and enforces Chapter 159 of the Kokomo Code of Ordinances.

What happens if I build in the floodplain without a permit?

Under § 159.99, it is a violation treated as a common nuisance under the city's Zoning Code, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense, and the owner may lose standard flood insurance eligibility.

What must I submit with a floodplain development permit application?

Section 159.36 requires plans showing the proposed development, lowest-floor elevation in NAVD 88, flood opening and anchoring details, flood-resistant materials below the flood protection grade, and, after construction, an elevation certificate from a registered land surveyor.

Which flood map applies inside Kokomo city limits?

Section 159.17 uses the Howard County, Indiana and Incorporated Areas Flood Insurance Rate Map dated February 4, 2015, and its 1% annual chance flood profiles, along with any later FEMA updates or Indiana DNR best-available flood layer data.

Sources & Official References

[1]Kokomo Code of Ordinances, Chapter 159

Other rules in Kokomo

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All Kokomo rules

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