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Springdale, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Springdale, AR, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Governs: All FEMA special flood hazard areas citywide
Adopted code: Flood Damage Prevention Code, Sept. 2007
Max fine: $500.00 per day, per violation
Enforcement: Floodplain administrator
Counties mapped: Washington County and Benton County FIRMs

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Springdale, AR.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Springdale, AR on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Springdale adopts a Flood Damage Prevention Code by reference and regulates all development in FEMA special flood hazard areas within city limits.

There is hereby adopted by reference a "Flood Damage Prevention Code for Springdale, Arkansas," dated September 2007. The code shall include: ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS ARTICLE 2. ADMINISTRATION ARTICLE 3. PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION A copy of the referenced code shall be filed in the office of the Springdale City Clerk and shall be available for inspection and copying by any person during normal office hours.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 145).

Full Breakdown

Springdale's Code of Ordinances Chapter 50, Article II applies to all special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) within the city, mapped by FEMA's Flood Insurance Studies for Washington County (2008) and Benton County (2012). The city adopted a standalone "Flood Damage Prevention Code for Springdale, Arkansas" (Sept. 2007) by reference, covering definitions, administration, and provisions for flood hazard reduction; it is on file with the city clerk for inspection. Any construction, substantial alteration, or land-use change after the effective date requires full compliance with the article and the adopted code.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor; fines up to $500.00 per day per violation plus court costs. The floodplain administrator can also issue cease-and-desist orders, issue citations, and request FEMA deny flood insurance (a 1316 Action) against noncompliant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Springdale regulate building in flood zones?

Yes. Chapter 50, Article II adopts a Flood Damage Prevention Code covering all special flood hazard areas mapped by FEMA within Springdale's city limits.

What happens if I build in a Springdale flood zone without complying?

It's a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500.00 per day per violation, plus the floodplain administrator can issue cease-and-desist orders or request FEMA deny flood insurance.

Sources & Official References

[1]Springdale, AR Code of Ordinances, Ch. 50, Art. II

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