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Flood Elevation

Hurricane Preparedness

Minimum elevation requirements for structures in flood zones, including freeboard standards above base flood elevation and elevation certificate requirements.

80% moderate2% strict(146 locations)

How Flood Elevation Rules Differ by Place

146 places covered3 strict117 moderate

Florence County, SC: Florence County Critical Development Flood Rule

Heavy Restrictions

Florence County's flood hazard rules go beyond the standard base flood elevation for what the zoning ordinance labels 'critical development.' Under County Code § 30-62(a)(4), those…

Horry County, SC: Horry County: 2 Feet of Freeboard, No Basements

Heavy Restrictions

In Horry County's mapped special flood hazard zones, new residential construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor at least two feet above the base flood…

Mount Pleasant, SC: Mount Pleasant Coastal High Hazard Elevation Rules

Heavy Restrictions

In Mount Pleasant's VE Zones and Coastal A Zones, § 152.26 requires new construction to sit on piers, piles or open foundations, elevated to the design flood elevation, anchored…

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Flood Zone Lowest Floor Elevation

Some Restrictions

In Birmingham's mapped special flood hazard areas, the Zoning Ordinance requires new or substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor, including any…

Decatur, AL: Decatur, AL Elevation Rules Without Mapped Flood Data

Some Restrictions

In the City of Decatur, Alabama, City Code § 25-32(d)4 requires the lowest floor in flood areas without base flood elevation data to sit at least three feet above the highest adjacent…

Jefferson County, AL: Jefferson County Flood-Area Fill Elevation Rule

Some Restrictions

Jefferson County requires subdivision plats submitted for flood-prone land in the unincorporated county to be filled at least 2 feet above the 100-year flood elevation before the…