Lafayette, IN Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Section 8.08.310(B) requires that, in addition to all floodplain requirements in the Unified Zoning Ordinance, the flood protection grade (FPG) applicable to buildings inside a Special Flood Hazard Area or an IDNR-designated best-available-data floodplain be shown on the final plat, where such buildings are allowed at all under the zoning ordinance. Section 8.08.310(D), the No Net Loss Floodplain Storage Policy, treats floodplains adjacent to any natural or manmade stream as Impact Drainage Areas that development should avoid disturbing; where avoidance is impractical, the natural functions of the floodplain must be preserved as much as possible.

For activities within the area inundated by the 100-year flood elevation along a stream draining one square mile or more, the code requires compensatory excavation equivalent to the floodplain storage lost, with the City Engineer able to alter the compensation ratio for a specific project and the Technical Standards manual setting the calculation method. Enforcement runs through Article VII: Section 8.08.700 ties compliance to both this code and the local zoning ordinance, Section 8.08.710 sets civil infraction fines of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a subsequent offense, and Section 8.08.760 lets anyone appeal a decision to the Board of Public Works and Safety within thirty days, which may grant a variance if it finds practical difficulties without weakening stormwater management goals.