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- Government
- Departments
- Stormwater Management
- Floodplain Management
- Flood Mitigation Resources
Flood Mitigation Resources
Once you have an understanding of your flood zone and flood hazard risk, you can then explore flood mitigation options based on your property. Mitigation options range from low-cost options such as elevating equipment and installing flood openings in crawlspace/garage enclosures to more expensive options such as home elevation, abandoning basements and demolition/rebuild.
Always obtain applicable building permits and consult licensed professionals such as architects, engineers, contractors, your insurance agent, or other experts in design and construction before making changes to your home.
Need assistance? Contact the floodplain management team for information on FEMA Grants and ICC payments.
Flood Insurance & Mitigation
If the current property owner would like additional information regarding past NFIP claims, they can contact FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-336-2627 and select the option for insurance. The owner may have also received a claim history report with their annual renewal notice.
Flood Insurance Mitigation Discounts
- Flood Insurance Mitigation Discount Tool
- Discount Explanation Guide
- Claim Rating on Premium
- A Policyholder’s Guide to Severe Repetitive Loss
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage:
Following substantial damage due to flooding, your building will be required to meet the currently effective flood design standards. To assist with the cost of meeting these requirements, Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage is available to those eligible through the National Flood Insurance Program. View the factsheet here.
- Building owner is eligible following a substantial damage determination of a NFIP insured building
- Provides a one time payment of up to $30,000
- Can be received in addition to insurance claim payment for damages and can be received in addition to HMA funding
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants
FEMA Publications
Flood Mitigation Options
- NFIP Rebuilding Safer & Stronger After a Flood (floodsmart.gov)
- Just One Inch of Water can Cause $25,000 of Damage
- Protect your Property from Flooding
- Protect your Home from Flooding: Low-cost Projects you can do Yourself
- Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting
CRS 350 Flood Protection Library
- Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
- Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
- Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, (2011)
- Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
- Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257 (1994)
- Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (2017)
- Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
- Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005)
Copies also available through Charleston County Public Libraries
Miscellaneous Resources
- Be sure to check out our Flood Preparedness Brochure to learn more
about flooding preparation in your neighborhood. - Disaster Preparedness and Recovery for Businesses
- Reduce Flood Risk: Strategies for Homeowners - Association of State Floodplain Managers
- Guidelines On Flood Adaptation For Rehabilitating Historic Buildings - National Parks Service
- Charleston County’s Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Contact Us
Request Elevation Certificates and Flood Hazard Information:
floodplain-info@charleston-sc.gov
Caroline Schnell, CFM
Floodplain Manager
Phone: 843-579-6481
Justin King, CFM
Floodplain Management Technician
Phone: 843-579-6471