FEMA flood zone rules in Matthews, NC — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Matthews participates in the NFIP and enforces FEMA floodplain regulations along Four Mile Creek, McAlpine Creek, and their tributaries. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) requires a floodplain development permit and lowest-floor elevation at least 2 feet above BFE.
The Town of Matthews adopts FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) effective September 2, 2015 (Mecklenburg County) through the Matthews Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Four Mile Creek, which bisects central Matthews, carries significant AE-zone floodplain through the McAlpine Creek watershed. Any structure proposed in the 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain (100-year) requires a Floodplain Development Permit from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. Matthews exceeds FEMA minimums by requiring lowest floor elevation 2 feet above the Base Flood Elevation (2-foot freeboard). New construction in the regulated floodway is prohibited. Substantial improvements (50 percent of market value) trigger full floodplain compliance. The Town participates in the NFIP Community Rating System providing flood insurance discounts.
Construction without floodplain permits subject to removal orders and civil penalties up to 5,000 dollars per day. Substantial damage determinations can compel demolition. NFIP insurance denial for non-compliant structures.
Matthews, NC
Vehicle noise in Matthews is regulated under state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 requiring functional mufflers, plus local provisions prohibiting loud exhaust, revving...
Matthews, NC
Matthews enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under the Town Code noise provisions, with plainly audib...
Matthews, NC
Matthews does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance; operation is governed by general noise and construction-hour restrictions in the Town Code.
Matthews, NC
Construction activity in Matthews is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with Sunday restrictions, consistent with Mecklenburg County co...
Matthews, NC
Amplified music in Matthews requires special event permits when held outdoors in public spaces; residential amplified sound is subject to the plainly audible...
Matthews, NC
Aircraft noise in Matthews is governed exclusively by federal FAA regulations; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
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