Royal Oak, MI Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Adopted by the City Commission on October 10, 1977, Chapter 351 implements floodplain management for areas mapped on the Federal Insurance Administration's Flood Hazard Boundary Map #03, dated June 4, 1976, which is on file at 211 Williams Street and adopted by reference under § 351-3B. Section 351-3A applies the chapter to "all areas of special flood hazard within the jurisdiction of Royal Oak," and § 351-3C prohibits constructing, locating, extending, converting, or altering any structure or land in those areas without full compliance with the chapter and other applicable regulations; where this chapter conflicts with another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction, § 351-3D applies whichever imposes the more stringent restriction.

Before any construction or development begins in a mapped special flood hazard area, § 351-4A requires the applicant to obtain a development permit from the Director of Community Development, submitting scaled plans showing elevations, proposed fill or drainage, and, for nonresidential structures, an engineer's or architect's certification that floodproofing methods meet the criteria in § 351-6B. The Director, designated administrator under § 351-4B, reviews every application to confirm the chapter's requirements are met, that other required federal, state, or local approvals are in hand, and whether the proposed development would adversely affect the flood-carrying capacity of the area; a finding of adverse effect triggers a requirement for engineering justification before the permit can issue.

The Director also must record the elevation of the lowest floor of every new or substantially improved structure and maintain those records for public inspection under § 351-4C.