Smithtown, NY Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 168, Flood Damage Prevention, adopted August 11, 2009 by Local Law No. 4-2009, implements the National Flood Insurance Program in Smithtown. Section 168-11 designates the Director of Planning as local administrator, responsible for granting or denying floodplain development permits. Section 168-12A creates the permit itself and states plainly that it is unlawful to undertake any development in an area of special flood hazard, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map referenced in § 168-6, without a valid permit. The area of special flood hazard is defined by FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map panels for Community Number 360810, effective September 25, 2009, and the accompanying Flood Insurance Study for Suffolk County, both on file with the Planning Department at Town Hall Annex Building 2.

An applicant must submit plans in duplicate showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevation of the site, along with existing or proposed structures, fill and drainage facilities. Section 168-12B sets the fee at $2 per square foot of gross floor area to be built or improved, and the local administrator may also require a deposit of up to $500 to cover additional review, inspection and approval costs. Section 168-13 lists the technical submissions required depending on flood zone, including as-built elevation certifications from a licensed engineer or surveyor once the lowest floor is complete.