Augusta-Richmond County, GA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum elevation
- 3 feet above Base Flood Elevation
- Applies to
- New construction & substantial improvements
- Enforced by
- Augusta Planning & Development Dept.
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 60 days jail
- Non-residential option
- Dry floodproofing to same level
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County requires new construction and substantial improvements in flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation under the county's Flood Damage Prevention ordinance.
Where Base Flood Elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvement of any structure, including manufactured homes, and accessory structures not used solely for parking or storage, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than three (3) feet above the Base Flood Elevation (also known as the "flood protection elevation").
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Under Title 8, Chapter 1 (Flood Damage Prevention) of the Augusta-Richmond County Code, new construction and substantial improvements within the Area of Special Flood Hazard, including manufactured homes and accessory structures not used solely for parking or storage, must have the lowest floor, including any basement, elevated no lower than three feet above the Base Flood Elevation, termed the flood protection elevation. Non-residential structures may instead be dry-floodproofed to that same level. The Augusta Planning & Development Department administers permits and requires a certified as-built FEMA Elevation or Floodproofing Certificate once the lowest floor is complete.
Violations & Fines
Violating this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 60 days in jail; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the City Attorney may also seek injunctive relief in Superior Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must new construction be built in Augusta-Richmond County's flood zones?
Can a commercial building avoid elevating in the flood hazard area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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