FEMA flood zone rules in Philadelphia County, PA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Philadelphia straddles the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers with extensive FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Floodplain construction regulated by Phila Code Title 14-704 and PWD.
FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) show Zones AE, A, and X throughout Philadelphia. Major flood-prone areas: Eastwick (Cobbs Creek), Manayunk (Schuylkill), Port Richmond (Delaware), Wissahickon Valley. Construction in SFHA requires lowest floor 1.5 feet above Base Flood Elevation (Philadelphia freeboard) per Phila §14-704(3). NFIP flood insurance mandatory for federally-backed mortgages in SFHA. Philadelphia participates in CRS (Community Rating System) for reduced premiums.
Unpermitted floodplain construction: 500-10,000 dollars + mandatory elevation or removal. NFIP ineligibility for structure.
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See how Philadelphia County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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