FEMA flood zone rules in White Plains, NY — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
White Plains participates in NFIP. FEMA AE zones exist along the Bronx River and Mamaroneck River corridors. Floodplain development permit required for construction, substantial improvement, or fill in SFHAs per City Code Chapter 3-5 (Flood Damage Prevention).
White Plains is an inland Westchester city with riverine flood risk — no coastal zones. The Bronx River (running north-south through downtown) and Mamaroneck River have mapped FEMA Zone AE floodplains. The city's Flood Damage Prevention chapter requires elevation certificates, lowest-floor elevation at or above BFE, and Building Department review prior to any development in SFHAs. FIRM maps are effective September 28, 2007. Mandatory flood insurance for federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
Unpermitted floodplain work: stop-work order, removal of improvements, civil penalties up to $250/day, and loss of NFIP insurance eligibility.
White Plains, NY
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVW cannot park overnight on residential streets. Delivery and service trucks allowed during active work only; daytime co...
White Plains, NY
Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers cannot be stored on streets. Residential zoning restricts storage in driveways and front yards — typically rear or...
White Plains, NY
Driveway curb cuts and aprons require a permit from Public Works. Parking across the sidewalk or blocking pedestrian path is prohibited. Surfaces must be pav...
White Plains, NY
Retaining walls over 4 ft high (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a Building Department permit and engineered drawings. Walls supportin...
White Plains, NY
White Plains prohibits chickens, roosters, and livestock in residential zones. City is urban/suburban and not zoned for agricultural use. No backyard chicken...
White Plains, NY
White Plains enforces the New York State Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225) and Fire Code through its Department of Building. Single- or multiple...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Westchester County.
See how other cities in Westchester County handle flood zones.
See how White Plains's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.