Maryland Floodplain Management Statewide NFIP Compliance

Under MD Environment 5-801 et seq., the Maryland Department of the Environment coordinates the State Floodplain Management Program. All Maryland counties and most municipalities participate in the NFIP and adopt local ordinances regulating construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). State minimum standards exceed FEMA requirements, including 2 feet of freeboard above base flood elevation for residential structures and prohibitions on critical facility siting in floodways. Permits are required for any development in mapped floodplains. MDE provides plan review, mapping, and Community Assistance Visits.

Floodplain violations may result in NFIP loss-of-coverage, civil penalties up to $10,000 per occurrence, mandatory removal of noncompliant structures, and uninsurable property.