FEMA flood zone rules in Portland, OR — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Portland regulates development in FEMA-designated flood hazard areas under City Code Chapter 24.50 (Flood Hazard Areas). The city amended these regulations in 2024 to comply with FEMA Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures (PICM). Major flood zones include Johnson Creek, Crystal Springs Creek, Columbia Slough, Tryon Creek, and the Willamette River corridor.
Chapter 24.50 requires flood hazard area development permits for any construction, fill, or substantial improvement in the 100-year floodplain. Structures must be elevated or floodproofed to at least one foot above Base Flood Elevation. The 2024 PICM amendments apply model ordinance requirements in Crystal Springs Creek, Johnson Creek, Tryon Creek, and Willamette River North Reach flood zones. Tree removal in the 100-year floodplain requires replacement at ratios of 3:1 to 6:1 depending on tree size.
Construction in flood zones without proper permits violates both city code and federal NFIP requirements. Violations can result in increased flood insurance premiums, denial of federal disaster assistance, and city enforcement actions including fines and required removal of non-compliant structures.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how other cities in Multnomah County handle flood zones.
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