Building in Flood Zones

NOTICE

For all building permit applications applied for on or after July 1, 2020, the additional minimum flood protection requirement above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map for buildings in the Special Flood Hazard Area are as follows in the table below. 

 The best flood protection method is elevation (measured to the top of lowest floor in A Zones, to the bottom of lowest horizontal structural member in V Zones) but dry floodproofing to the minimum elevation is allowed for non-residential buildings.  Please refer to City Code of Ordinance §27-117.

Freebaord Table as of 07.01.20

Flood Zones in The City of Charleston

It is critical to remember that the City of Charleston, being located in the Atlantic Coastal region, is subject to flooding from the Atlantic Ocean as well as inland flooding from rivers and associated tributaries. Charleston is also subject to storm surge, flooding from heavy rains and high tides.

Being prepared is your best defense against such events.

What to Do Before a Flood

  • Determine if your property is located in an area subject to flooding
  • Keep an emergency supply
  • Maintain drainage channels and pipes free of obstruction and debris
  • Meet improvement requirements
  • Meet permitting requirements
  • Protect your property from the hazards of flooding and wind 
  • Purchase flood insurance on your property (Note: there is a 30-day lag time from the time of application) 

Property Flood Zones

To find out what flood zone your property is located within, FEMA has a searchable map provided for free on their website. 

Types of Flood Zones

Moderate to Low-Risk Areas

  • Shaded Zone X: Areas of 500-year flood; areas of 100-year flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; and areas protected by levees from 100-year flood. 
  • Zone X: Areas determined to be outside 500-year flood plain.

High-Risk Areas

  • Zone A: No base flood elevations determined. 

High Risk - Coastal Areas

  • Zone VE: Coastal flood with velocity hazard (wave action); base flood elevations determined.

Steps to Take if Your New Building Construction or Renovation Is Located in a Flood Zone

You may need to submit the following documents when applying for building and trade permits:

Please be advised all work (including painting, interior finishes, etc.) in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a permit.

Additional Information

Floodplains are a natural component of the City of Charleston environment. Understanding and protecting the natural functions of floodplains helps reduce flood damage and protect resources. Floodplains are scenic, valued wildlife habitat, and suitable for farming. Poorly planned development in floodplains can lead to stream-bank erosion, loss of valuable property, increased risk of flooding to downstream properties and degradation of water quality.

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