Oregon, OH Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

The City of Oregon regulates all development within its special flood hazard areas under Codified Ordinances Chapter 1165, adopted to reduce flood damage and to meet National Flood Insurance Program participation requirements. Before any filling, grading, construction, alteration, remodeling or expansion of a structure, or any alteration of a watercourse, takes place wholly or partly within an area identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Lucas County (effective February 22, 2024), the owner or an authorized agent must obtain a floodplain development permit from the Floodplain Administrator, a role assigned to the Commissioner of Building and Zoning Inspection at 5330 Seaman Road.

The application must include scaled site plans, existing ground elevations, proposed lowest-floor elevations and, where the parcel sits in a subdivision of 50 lots or five acres or more without published base flood elevations, a hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analysis from a professional engineer registered in Ohio. The Floodplain Administrator has thirty days after a complete application to approve or deny it, and any permit issued expires if work has not substantially begun within 180 days. Small nonstructural jobs under $2,500, such as roofing, painting or basement sealing, do not need a permit, but filling and grading are never exempt regardless of cost. Subdivisions and other new developments must also provide adequate drainage and locate utilities to minimize flood damage. 05.