Flood Elevation
Hurricane Preparedness
Minimum elevation requirements for structures in flood zones, including freeboard standards above base flood elevation and elevation certificate requirements.
How Flood Elevation Rules Differ by Place
Horry County, SC: Horry County: 2 Feet of Freeboard, No Basements
Heavy RestrictionsIn 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…
Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Flood Zone Lowest Floor Elevation
Some RestrictionsIn Birmingham's mapped special flood hazard areas, the Zoning Ordinance requires new or substantially improved residential structures to elevate the lowest floor, including any…
Jefferson County, AL: Jefferson County Flood-Area Fill Elevation Rule
Some RestrictionsJefferson 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…
Boca Raton, FL: Boca Raton Flood Elevation Building Standard
Some RestrictionsBoca Raton sets its own freeboard above FEMA's base flood elevation: Sec. 19-238 requires new buildings in flood hazard areas to set their lowest floor at the highest of the base flood…
Brevard County, FL: Brevard County Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsHomes built in unincorporated Brevard County must sit above the street or, in FEMA flood zones, at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation before the county issues a certificate…
Broward County, FL: Broward County Flood Elevation Building Standards
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Broward County requires a floodplain development permit and elevation compliant with ASCE 24 for construction in a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area, with accessory…
Cities & Counties with Flood Elevation Rules
54 locations
Florida
South Carolina
Other Hurricane Preparedness Topics
Hurricane Shutters
Requirements for hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows, including approved types, installation standards, and pre-storm deployment rules.
Roof Standards
Wind-resistant roofing requirements including strap attachments, material ratings, and inspection requirements for hurricane-prone areas.
Storm Debris
Rules for pre-storm yard preparation, post-storm debris placement for pickup, and timelines for property cleanup after hurricanes.