Nicholasville, KY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 9 of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances applies to all special flood hazard areas, to areas covered by KRS 151.250, and to other areas the Floodplain Administrator determines from available technical studies. Section 9-7 adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Jessamine County and its Flood Insurance Rate Maps as the minimum area of applicability, and keeps them on file at City Hall for public review during regular business hours. Section 9-21 appoints the Mayor or designee as the Floodplain Administrator.

Section 9-8 requires a development permit before any development activities in the special flood hazard areas, on forms furnished by the Floodplain Administrator. Section 9-22 requires plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the area, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials and drainage facilities. At the application stage the applicant gives the proposed lowest floor elevation in relation to mean sea level in Zone A, any floodproofing elevation with engineer or architect certification, and a description of how any watercourse will be altered or relocated. Once the lowest floor is placed, and before construction continues, the permit holder submits an as-built elevation certification to the Floodplain Administrator and the state. Failure to submit the survey or to make required corrections is cause for a stop-work order, and the administrator's endorsement is required before a state floodplain construction permit can be processed.

Section 9-32 sets the building standards where base flood elevation data exist. A new or substantially improved residential structure needs its lowest floor, including basement, crawlspace, mechanical equipment and ductwork, no lower than one foot above base flood elevation. In an AO zone the structure is elevated to the depth number on the FIRM, or at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. Non-residential buildings are elevated the same way or floodproofed with an engineer or architect certification. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor used only for parking, access or storage need at least two openings with a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area, with the bottom of every opening no higher than one foot above grade. Recreational vehicles in the mapped zones must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days, be fully licensed and ready for highway use, or meet the new construction permit requirements.