Floodplain management is the implementation of preventative or corrective measures taken by a community to reduce the impacts of flood damage.

This can include emergency preparedness plans, construction of flood control structures, or regulations that guide communities toward responsible building inside and near the floodplain.

A “floodplain” is the part of the land where water collects, pools and flows during the course of natural events. As the City's overall floodplain maps show, numerous areas throughout the city are subject to flooding. Flood Zones are geographic areas that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary Map.  Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.

Most owners of homes located in the floodplain don't realize that they cannot improve their home for more than 50% of its value without being required to meet current floodplain regulations. Likewise, homes suffering damage equaling more than 50% of their value must also meet current floodplain regulations when they are repaired. The 50% cap is cumulative for a period of 10 years.

Homeowners are encouraged to build responsibly by obtaining the proper permits prior to making changes to their homes. For more information, contact the City's Building Permit office at 864-848-2175.

Myth: The “100 Year Flood” should only happen once every 100 years.

Fact: The “100 Year Flood” actually has a 1% chance of happening in any given year. This means that the 100 year flood can occur more than once in a 100 year period. Homes in these areas have a 26% chance of such a flood occurring during a 30-year mortgage period.

Are you aware of your flood risk?

Know your risk. Protect your property. Get Flood Insurance.