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Medford, OR Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Medford, OR, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Governing chapter: Medford Municipal Code Ch. 13
Enacted: Ord. No. 2020-62, May 21, 2020
Amended: Ord. No. 2024-121, Nov. 21, 2024
Enforcing official: City Floodplain Administrator
Permit trigger: Any development in SFHA
Violation remedy: Nuisance abatement, civil injunction

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Medford, OR.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Medford, OR on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Medford requires a floodplain development permit before any construction, fill, or other development begins within a special flood hazard area, under Chapter 13 of the Medford Municipal Code. The city's Floodplain Administrator, appointed by the City Manager, reviews every permit for compliance with floodway, elevation, and habitat standards before work can start.

(a) Floodplain Development Permit Required. A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area horizontally within the special flood hazard area established in Section 13.015(2). The development permit shall be required for all structures, including manufactured dwellings, and for all other development, as defined in Section 13.010, including fill and other development activities.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 13 of the Medford Municipal Code, enacted by Ordinance No. 2020-62 and amended by Ordinance No. 2024-121, governs all special flood hazard areas (SFHA) within city limits, as identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Jackson County dated January 19, 2018. 010. 005. Applications must include a habitat assessment, scaled site plans, proposed elevations, floodproofing certification for nonresidential structures, and details of any watercourse alteration or fill. 025(3) shows no rise in flood heights. Variances are available only for lots of one-half acre or less surrounded by existing structures built below base flood level, and must represent the minimum relief necessary.

Because Chapter 13 is enforced alongside the Oregon Specialty Codes under ORS Chapter 455, a floodplain permit is issued in addition to, not instead of, standard building permits.

Violations & Fines

Under Section 13.015(4)(b), constructing, locating, extending, converting, or altering any structure or land without full compliance with Chapter 13 is a public nuisance that the City of Medford may abate under Sections 5.520 through 5.535, and the city may also bring a civil suit to enjoin the violation. The code preserves the city's right to take any other lawful enforcement action needed to prevent or remedy noncompliance, on top of nuisance abatement and injunctive relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fill or grade land in a Medford flood zone?

Yes. Section 13.025(3)(a) requires a floodplain development permit before construction or development begins anywhere within a special flood hazard area, and the definition of development in Section 13.010 includes fill and excavation, not just buildings.

Who reviews floodplain permits in Medford?

The Floodplain Administrator, appointed by the City Manager under Section 13.020(1), reviews every development permit in a special flood hazard area for floodway location, base flood elevation data, and substantial improvement status before it can be issued.

What happens if I build in a Medford flood zone without a permit?

Section 13.015(4)(b) makes unpermitted or noncompliant construction a public nuisance that the city can abate under Sections 5.520 through 5.535, and the city may also file a civil suit to enjoin the violation and pursue any other lawful remedy.

Sources & Official References

[1]Medford Municipal Code Sec. 13.015 & 13.025 (medford.municipal.codes)

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