Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Floodplain Management and NFIP Coordination Law

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Key Facts

Coordinating Agency: ODNR Division of Water Resources
Construction Standard: Elevation to base flood elevation
Floodway Rule: No-rise certification required
Federal Reference: 44 CFR Part 60
Statute: ORC 1521.13-1521.18

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Summary

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1521 designates the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Water Resources as the state coordinating agency for the National Flood Insurance Program, requiring local floodplain regulations meet federal minimum standards statewide.

Development in one-hundred-year floodplain areas shall be protected to at least the one-hundred-year flood level, and flood water conveyance shall be maintained, at a minimum, in accordance with standards established under the national flood insurance program. This division does not preclude a state agency or political subdivision from establishing flood protection standards that are more restrictive than this division.

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative RulesView official code

Full Breakdown

ORC 1521.13 through 1521.18 require communities participating in the NFIP to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations consistent with 44 CFR Part 60. New construction and substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation, residential structures cannot be floodproofed in lieu of elevation, and floodway encroachments are prohibited unless a no-rise certification is provided. ODNR provides technical assistance, model ordinances, and Community Assistance Visits. Local governments may adopt stricter standards but cannot fall below federal minimums without losing NFIP eligibility.

Violations & Penalties

Communities that fail to enforce compliant floodplain ordinances risk suspension from the NFIP, eliminating federally backed flood insurance and disaster assistance. Property-level violations can lead to FEMA Section 1316 denial of flood insurance for noncompliant structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What governs construction in Ohio flood zones?

ORC Chapter 1521 requires every NFIP-participating Ohio community to adopt floodplain regulations meeting federal minimums, including base flood elevation requirements, floodway prohibitions, and substantial improvement triggers.

Can residential homes in Ohio be floodproofed instead of elevated?

No. Federal NFIP standards adopted under ORC 1521 require residential structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas to be elevated to or above base flood elevation; dry floodproofing is allowed only for non-residential buildings.

What happens if my Ohio community fails to enforce flood rules?

ODNR may refer noncompliant communities to FEMA, which can suspend NFIP participation and eliminate federally backed flood insurance availability for all properties in that jurisdiction.

Sources

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