Livonia, MI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article VIII of the Livonia Zoning Ordinance, Environmental Performance Standards, devotes Section 8.06 to the city's Special Flood Hazard Area. The boundaries track the 100-year flood limits shown in the Flood Insurance Study for the City of Livonia dated September 30, 2008, together with the Flood Insurance Rate Maps that took effect February 2, 2012, both incorporated by reference and kept on file with the Planning Department and Engineering Division.

Below that flood level, Section 8.06(2) bars erecting, converting or structurally altering any building or structure, and bars using any land or structure, except for a narrow list of open uses: gardening, horticulture and open recreation such as parks, playgrounds, playfields, athletic fields, golf courses, bridle trails and nature paths. Land above the mapped flood level may be used for whatever the underlying zoning district otherwise permits, subject to the elevation standard in Section 8.06(2)(B). Accessory uses below the flood level are limited to off-street parking serving a principal use located above the flood line; no building, structure, fence or equipment other than boundary monuments may sit below that level as an accessory use.

Section 8.06(4) separately bars dumping or backfilling of any material below the Special Flood Hazard Area Level unless compensating excavation preserves the flood plain's flow and storage capacity, and bars bridges, outdoor play equipment, bleachers and similar structures below that level unless they will not obstruct flow or reduce storage capacity. Any of these narrow exceptions requires a public hearing before the City Planning Commission, findings submitted to the City Council, and Council approval before work can proceed.