Ramapo, NY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

The Town Board adopted the Floodplain and Flood Hazard Management Law as Chapter 149 by Local Law No. 1-2014 on February 20, 2014, replacing an earlier 1987 version, to keep Ramapo eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program and to regulate uses, fill, grading and stream alterations that raise flood heights. Section 149-9 names the Building Inspector as the chapter's local administrator, responsible for granting or denying floodplain development permits. Section 149-10A makes it unlawful to undertake any development, including construction, filling, grading, or storage of materials, in an area of special flood hazard shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map referenced in § 149-5 without a valid permit; the application must show the nature, location, dimensions and elevations of the project.

Section 149-10B requires the application fee set by the Town's Standard Schedule of Fees, plus reimbursement for the Town's review and inspection costs, and lets the local administrator collect a deposit of up to $500 toward those costs. Section 149-10C requires the applicant to state the proposed elevation of the lowest floor relative to mean sea level and, after construction, to submit an as-built elevation certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor. The local administrator can also issue a stop-work order under § 149-11F for any floodplain development proceeding without a permit.