Properties in Hialeah's FEMA-designated flood zones must meet base flood elevation (BFE) requirements. New construction and substantial improvements in Special Flood Hazard Areas must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the BFE. Hialeah participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Elevation certificates are required for properties in flood zones.
Hialeah participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces flood elevation requirements for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). The city's flat terrain (average 6 feet above sea level) and canal system create flood risk along the Miami Canal, Palmetto Expressway drainage corridors, and western areas near the Everglades. New construction in SFHAs must elevate the lowest habitable floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE) as shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Substantial improvements (exceeding 50% of the structure's market value) trigger the same elevation requirements. An elevation certificate prepared by a licensed surveyor is required for all construction in flood zones. The South Florida Water Management District canal system provides primary drainage, but localized flooding remains a concern during heavy tropical rainfall events. Flood insurance is required for properties with federally-backed mortgages in SFHAs.
Building below the required flood elevation without proper permits and variances violates the NFIP and local building code. Non-compliant construction can affect the entire community's NFIP eligibility and insurance rates. Fines and mandatory retrofit may apply. Contact Building Department at (305) 556-8380.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah follows Miami-Dade Code §33-124.1 for commercial-vehicle parking in residential zones: Cat. 1 (taxis/marked vans under 8 ft): max 2 per home; Cat. 2 ...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah driveways follow county standards: 20 feet minimum for two-way, 14 feet for one-way. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or rights-of-way.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah allows chain link, concrete block, wood, and aluminum per Section 33-11. All must meet HVHZ wind standards. Concrete block most common in South Florida.
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah requires building permits for retaining walls per the Florida Building Code. Walls over 4 feet in height require engineered plans. All retaining wall...
Hialeah, FL
Dogs in Hialeah must be leashed off private property under Miami-Dade Section 5-20. Unsterilized: $150 fine. Sterilized: $50. Off-leash in designated parks o...
Hialeah, FL
Hialeah enforces the Florida Building Code Residential Section R314 and NFPA 72 for smoke alarms. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleepin...
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