Macon-Bibb County, GA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)

Section 11-21 sets Macon-Bibb County's specific flood-elevation standard for every Area of Special Flood Hazard where base flood elevation data exist. New construction and substantial improvements of any structure or manufactured home must have the lowest floor, including a basement, "elevated no lower than two (2) feet above the base flood elevation," a two-foot freeboard above the FEMA-mapped flood height. Builders using solid perimeter foundation walls to reach that elevation must add flood vents sized to equalize hydrostatic pressure on both sides of the walls under the Section 11-20(4) "Elevated Buildings" standard.

Heating and air conditioning equipment and ductwork, electrical systems, ventilation, plumbing, and other service facilities must sit at least one foot above base flood elevation, a full foot higher than in a non-flood-zone build. Non-residential buildings in A1-30, AE, or AH zones may flood-proof instead of elevate, but the whole structure, including utility and sanitary facilities, must be watertight to two feet above base flood elevation, with a registered engineer or architect certifying the design. Manufactured homes on individual lots or in new or expanding manufactured-home parks must meet the same elevation and anchoring standards as new construction, while homes in existing manufactured-home parks may instead sit on reinforced piers at least 36 inches above grade.

Recreational vehicles avoid these standards only if they stay fewer than 180 consecutive days or remain licensed and ready for highway use on their wheels.