Albany, NY Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Elevation standard
- 1 ft above base flood elevation
- No data in Zone A
- 3 ft above adjacent grade
- Administrator
- Chief Building Official
- Authority
- USDO § 375-206(3) FP-O Overlay
Summary
Albany's Floodplain Overlay District requires new construction and substantial improvements in FEMA special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, enforced by the Chief Building Official as floodplain administrator.
Within Zones A1-A30, AE and AH and also Zone A, if base flood elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvements shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated to or above one foot above the base flood elevation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
The City's FP-O Floodplain Overlay District, § 375-206(3) of the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance, applies to all FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas in the City (Community No. 360001). In Zones A1-A30, AE and AH, and Zone A where base flood elevation data exist, new construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above one foot above the base flood elevation. Where no elevation data are available in Zone A, the lowest floor must sit at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade. The Chief Building Official serves as local floodplain administrator and issues the required floodplain development permit.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required elevation without an approved permit violates the FP-O district standards and can jeopardize the property's National Flood Insurance Program eligibility; the Chief Building Official enforces compliance as local floodplain administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must new construction be built in Albany's flood zones?
Who approves floodplain construction in Albany?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York hurricane preparedness overview
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Flood Elevation in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle flood elevation.