Laurens County, SC Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 8, the Flood Damage Prevention ordinance (Ord. No. 863, adopted May 28, 2019), applies to all areas of special flood hazard within unincorporated Laurens County as mapped in FEMA's flood insurance study dated June 20, 2019, along with its accompanying maps and data, which are adopted by reference under Sec. 8-234. Sec. 8-235 requires a development permit before any development activity begins, and Sec. 8-236 bars locating, extending, converting or structurally altering any structure without full compliance. The county building official serves as local floodplain administrator under Sec.

8-259, reviewing permit applications, requiring elevation or floodproofing certifications, inspecting projects in progress, and enforcing stop-work orders under Sec. 8-263. Where flood provisions conflict with another ordinance, Sec. 8-237 says whichever rule is more restrictive controls. Development applications inside a mapped floodplain must include a plot plan showing the 100-year floodplain contour, prepared by a registered surveyor or engineer, and where base flood elevation data exists, must show the elevation of the lowest floor of any new or substantially improved structure under Sec. 8-261. The floodplain administrator can revoke a permit for false statements or a substantial departure from approved plans, order corrective hearings within ten days of a violation notice, and require repairs within at least 60 days once a violation is confirmed under Sec. 8-263.