FEMA flood zone rules in Savannah, GA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Savannah sits at near sea level along the Savannah River with extensive FEMA flood zones. Tidal flooding affects low-lying historic district areas. New construction must meet elevation requirements with freeboard above base flood elevation.
Savannah participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain management regulations. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (100-year floodplain) must meet minimum construction standards. New buildings must be elevated above base flood elevation. Substantial improvements to existing structures trigger elevation requirements. Flood insurance required for federally-backed mortgages in SFHA zones. Fill and grading in floodways prohibited. Savannah may maintain higher standards than FEMA minimums. Flood zone maps available through FEMA Map Service Center and local planning department.
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.
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See how Savannah's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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