Rockdale County, GA Hurricane Preparedness: Flood Elevation (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential elevation
- 3 ft. above base flood elevation
- Alternate standard
- 1 ft. above future-conditions elevation, if higher
- Enclosure vents
- 1 sq. in. opening per sq. ft. enclosed
- Permit required
- Flood area permit, § 302-48
- Certification
- Elevation certificate from licensed surveyor
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day
Summary
In the unincorporated area's mapped floodplain, Rockdale County Code § 320-5(b)(1) requires new homes to sit with their lowest floor at least three feet above the base flood elevation, or one foot above the future-conditions flood elevation, whichever is higher, before the Department of Planning and Development will approve construction.
a.New construction. New construction of principal residential structures shall not be allowed within the limits of the future-conditions floodplain unless all requirements of subsections 320-4(c), 320-4(d) and 320-4(e) have been met. If all of the requirements of subsections 320-4(c), 320-4(d) and 320-4(e) have been met, all new construction shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than three feet above the base flood elevation or one foot above the future-conditions flood elevation, whichever is higher.
Full Breakdown
Rockdale County's flood damage prevention chapter, Chapter 320, sets the elevation floor for any home built in an area of special flood hazard or area of future-conditions flood hazard. Under § 320-5(b)(1)a, new construction of a principal residential structure, and any substantial improvement to one, must have its lowest floor, including the basement, elevated no lower than three feet above the base flood elevation, or one foot above the future-conditions flood elevation, whichever number is higher; a manufactured home in the floodplain faces the same three-foot-above-base-flood-elevation standard under § 320-5(b)(5).
If the builder elevates the structure on solid perimeter walls instead of piers, § 320-5(a)(5) requires flood vents sized at one square inch of opening for every square foot of enclosed area below the lowest floor, with the lowest opening no higher than one foot above grade. None of this happens without a flood area permit: § 302-48 requires an application through the Department of Planning and Development before any development in a special flood hazard area, including a licensed surveyor's certified elevation of the lowest floor, and § 320-3(c) requires a follow-up as-built elevation certificate right after the lowest floor is poured, plus a final elevation certificate once construction and grading are complete.
Anyone who wants to build below the mandated elevation must seek a variance from the Board of Adjustment under §§ 320-6 and 238-10, which can grant relief only on a showing of good and sufficient cause and exceptional hardship, and only outside the mapped floodway.
Violations & Fines
Flood-standard violations are enforced under § 320-7: the Department of Planning and Development issues a written notice of violation and gives the owner at least ten days (24 hours if the violation is an immediate danger) to cure it. Uncured violations can trigger a stop-work order, withheld certificate of occupancy, permit revocation, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day, or a criminal citation to Magistrate Court carrying up to $1,000 and 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above the flood level must a new house be built in unincorporated Rockdale County?
What permit do I need to build in a Rockdale County floodplain?
What happens if a structure is built below the required flood elevation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockdale County
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