Youngstown, OH Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Chapter 1305 of the Youngstown Codified Ordinances, adopted by Ordinance 09-353 on November 18, 2009, regulates development in the special flood hazard areas mapped on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Mahoning County effective that same date. Section 1305.14 makes it unlawful to begin construction, filling, grading, alteration, remodeling, expansion of any structure, or alteration of a watercourse within an identified flood hazard area until a floodplain development permit is obtained from the Floodplain Administrator; the application must include site plans, ground and lowest-floor elevations, and a permit fee set by the city's fee schedule.

Section 1305.15 gives the Floodplain Administrator 30 days to approve or disapprove a complete application, and an issued permit expires one year later if work has not substantially begun. Section 1305.26(d) requires new construction and substantial improvement of residential structures, including manufactured homes, to have the lowest floor, including the basement, elevated to or above the flood protection elevation, or at least two feet above the highest adjacent natural grade where elevation data is unavailable. Section 1305.17 requires a FEMA Elevation Certificate from a registered surveyor after construction. Appeals from a permit denial or revocation go to the Appeals Board under Sections 1305.32 through 1305.37, then to the courts under Section 1305.37.