The purpose of this page is to define Floodplain Management Ordinances, a commonly used term in floodplain management. To explore other common floodplain management terms access the NFIP Policy Index.
Definition/Description
Once FEMA provides a community with the flood hazard information upon which floodplain management regulations are based, the community is required to adopt a floodplain management ordinance that meets or exceeds the minimum NFIP requirements. The overriding purpose of the floodplain management regulations is to ensure that participating communities take into account flood hazards, to the extent that they are known, in all official actions relating to land management and use.
The specific requirements are in Section 60.3 of the NFIP regulations, and apply to communities as follows:
60.3 (a) - FEMA has not provided any maps or data
60.3 (b) - FEMA has provided a map with approximate A Zones
60.3 (c) - FEMA has provided a FIRM with BFEs
60.3 (d) - FEMA has provided a FIRM with BFEs and a map that shows a floodway
60.3 (e) - FEMA has provided a FIRM that shows coastal high hazard areas (V Zones) It is important to note that these requirements are minimums. In addition, these requirements are cumulative.
NFIP Requirement
60.0 - Criteria for Land Management and Use
- 60.1 - General Rquirements
- 60.2 - Compliance with Floodplain Management Criteria
- 60.3 Floodplain Management Criteria
Guidance
IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Pages 5-4 to 5-7 - NFIP Regulations
- Pages 7-5 to 7-10 - Community Ordinances