FEMA flood zone rules in Yavapai County, AZ — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Yavapai County Flood Control District Ordinance 2010-1 governs construction in FEMA-mapped floodplains. A Floodplain Use Permit is required before any building, grading, or filling. Residential structures must have the lowest finished floor at least one foot above the 100-year Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
The Yavapai County Flood Control District administers Ordinance 2010-1, the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Any development - including residential structures, large sheds, grading, fill, fences, and roads - in a FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Floodplain Use Permit before zoning, building, or grading permits issue. Residential structures in the floodfringe must elevate the lowest finished floor (including utilities) at least one foot above the 100-year BFE. Construction in the floodway is generally prohibited. Foundations in erosion-hazard areas must extend at least three feet below the projected scour depth. Non-residential construction may flood-proof to one foot above BFE with engineer certification. The Verde River corridor, Granite Creek, and Agua Fria drainages are primary regulated areas.
Stop-work orders, denial of certificate of occupancy, daily civil penalties under the ordinance, and loss of NFIP flood insurance eligibility. Unpermitted fill may require removal at owner expense.
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