Lancaster County, NE Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Article 11 of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Zoning Resolution regulates every parcel subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, as mapped by FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map, plus any floodprone area the County Board separately approves. 013 splits that mapped area into two overlay districts: a floodway (FW), the channel and adjacent land that must stay clear to carry the 100-year flood, and a floodway fringe (FF), the balance of the flood plain outside the floodway. 009 requires a separate development permit from the Director of Building and Safety before anyone may erect, construct, enlarge or substantially improve any building or structure, or undertake any development, including the placement of manufactured homes, anywhere the article applies.

021 states that encroachments into the floodway are prohibited, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development, unless a qualified engineer certifies the project will not raise flood levels during a base flood, and the applicant secures a FEMA-approved Conditional Letter of Map Revision before any permit issues. 015 requires anchorage against flotation and lateral movement, flood-resistant utilities and construction materials, and bars storing buoyant, flammable or explosive materials in the flood plain unless firmly anchored or removable on flood warning. 005, Lancaster County has delegated administration of Article 11 to the City of Lincoln's Department of Building and Safety, which reviews every permit application, certifies elevation compliance, and notifies neighboring communities and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources before any watercourse is altered or relocated.