Safety Harbor regulates construction in FEMA-mapped flood zones under Chapter 9 of its Code of Ordinances. New buildings and substantial improvements must be elevated above base flood elevation and meet Florida Building Code flood provisions.
Chapter 9 - Floodplain Management adopts and enforces FEMA floodplain standards for the city's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Lowest finished floors of new residential structures must be elevated at least to base flood elevation (BFE) plus any city freeboard. Substantial improvements - work valued at 50% or more of the building's market value - trigger full compliance with current flood standards, even on existing structures. Non-residential buildings may be elevated or dry-floodproofed. The code regulates fill placement, accessory structures, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles in the Special Flood Hazard Area. A floodplain development permit is required before any construction, fill, mining, dredging, or storage in a flood zone.
Construction without a floodplain development permit can trigger stop-work orders, denial of certificate of occupancy, daily fines, and FEMA NFIP probation affecting community insurance rates.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle flood zones.
See how Safety Harbor's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.