Floodplain Development

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Structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in a community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are subject to floodplain management regulations that impact building standards and are designed to minimize flood risk. In addition to federal standards, the County of Prince George has a Floodplain Ordinance in place which further governs development within the SFHA. These standards apply to new structures and to substantial improvements of existing structures. The County defines a substantial improvement as any reconstruction, rehabilitation, or addition to an existing structure, the cost of which exceeds 50 percent of the structure's value. 

Floodplain Development Permits

Any activity performed in the floodplain must have a Floodplain Development Permit. This includes:

• Grading and/or Filling
• Paving
• Material Storage
• New Residential or Commercial Structures
• Pools, Decks, Gazebos, Retaining Walls, Fences, Driveways, Sheds, etc.
• Additions
• Substantial Improvements to Existing Structures
• Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction.

Please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (804) 722-8678 if you have questions about Floodplain Development Permit requirements. To request a permit you must submit a completed Floodplain Development Permit Application.

Applications can also be picked up at the Community Development and Code Compliance Department. Additional instructions are on the back of the application form.