Special Flood Hazard Area (aka Floodplain)

Development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) requires additional review and construction of higher standards. In Union County, any development (any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate) in the SFHA, including fill, requires a floodplain development permit.

This may require, but is not limited to;

• Elevating the lowest floor of the structure above the Base Flood Elevation
• A Flood Study to determine Base Flood Elevation where there is no data on the Base Flood Elevation
• Venting to mitigate hydrostatic forces on structures
• Anchoring to prevent floatation, collapse and lateral movement
• An Elevation certificate prior to pouring the foundation and an As-Built Elevation Certificate at time of completion

Each property and each proposal are unique, and will have requirements based on the flood zone, the proposed work and any additional property factors that are identified. Union County’s floodplain development regulations are in Article 17 of the Zoning, Partition, and Subdivision Ordinance.

FEMA creates many publications on how to protect property from flood damage. For information on protecting structures check out this link – FEMA.

To find out if your property is in a floodplain, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center | Welcome!

Flood Insurance

Flooding and flood damage is the last thing anyone wants to have happen to them. Flood damage and the effort to repair is expensive, easily costing thousands of dollars in replacement and repair fees. The National Flood Insurance Program is available in Union County and is intended to help keep these costs from becoming a financial burden when you are looking to recover from flood damage by offering affordable insurance.

Use this helpful tool to see how expensive damage can become with 1 inch or more of water. Flood Insurance.  

Flood insurance does not require a presidential disaster declaration, and doesn’t require repayment, unlike some disaster relief options. FEMA has limited grants available, but these are often much less than the cost to recover from a flood.

When considering flood insurance, be aware that not all policies are created equal. Homeowner’s and renter’s Insurance typically do not cover flood damage. Some flood policies will only insure the structure, not the contents of your home. Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before the National Flood Insurance Program coverage takes effect so don’t wait till the last minute.  Flood Insurance can help you get back on your feet and back at home, but it is important to be informed, to talk with your insurance agent and give yourself plenty of time before purchasing flood insurance.
The cost of flood damage is no joke; protect yourself, your family and your home. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about what type of policy best fits your needs.