FEMA flood zone rules in Marion County, IN — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Indianapolis-Marion County has significant flood zones along Eagle Creek, Fall Creek, White River, and their tributaries. Zone AE (SFHA) covers low-lying riparian corridors. The city maintains a Flood Control Districts Zoning Ordinance. Buildings in SFHA must be elevated to or above BFE. Floodplain Development Permits required from the city's Floodplain Administrator.
Indianapolis Code Ch. 565 governs floodplain management. The Flood Control Districts Zoning Ordinance (available on Indy Data Portal) maps SFHA boundaries. Indiana DNR administers the state floodplain program. Development in SFHA requires: floodplain development permit, elevation to or above BFE (typically BFE + 1 ft for residential), and prohibition on construction in floodways. Eagle Creek reservoir and the White River are primary flood vectors. Indiana participates in NFIP — flood insurance required for federally backed mortgages in SFHA.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
Marion County, IN
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Marion County, IN
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Marion County, IN
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Marion County, IN
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Marion County, IN
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Marion County, IN
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See how Marion County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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