FEMA flood zone rules in Bernalillo County, NM — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Bernalillo County Code Chapter 38 (Flood) governs floodplain development in unincorporated areas. FEMA floodplain development permit required before construction in any SFHA. County Floodplain Administrator approval mandatory. AMAFCA manages regional flood control. South Valley significantly affected by flood zones.
Bernalillo County's flood ordinance (Chapter 38) requires approval from the local Floodplain Administrator (Kevin Grovet, PE) before any construction or development in a Special Flood Hazard Area. The FEMA Letter of Map Revision for the West Levee Project returned South Valley properties to Flood Zone X in 2011, but flood insurance is still recommended due to residual risk. The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) manages regional flood infrastructure. The county participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Monsoon season (June 15 to September 30) brings particular flood risk. Properties can be checked for flood zone status through the county GIS or NMFlood.org interactive maps.
Construction below flood elevation: retroactive compliance required, fines $500 to $5,000. Floodway encroachment: removal order. Failure to maintain flood insurance: lender force-placement at higher cost.
Bernalillo County, NM
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See how Bernalillo County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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