Floodplain FAQs

FEMA defines a floodplain as any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters from any source. A floodway includes the channel and adjacent overbank areas necessary to effectively convey floodwaters.

The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) refers to the elevation in which floodwater is anticipated to rise during a flood. A flood is defined as having a 1% chance of happening in any given year, also known as the 100-year flood. BFEs are used for determining flood risk and in construction to minimize flood damage.

Floodplain areas are designated by FEMA, you can search the flood maps in your area using FEMA’s Map Service Center FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Viewer.

 Yes, you will need to obtain a Floodplain Development Permit prior to starting any building, remodel or development project in the floodplain. Development is defined as any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures.

 You can find the City of Caldwell Floodplain Development Permit on the city’s webpage.

Yes. New construction of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor elevated one foot (1’) above base flood elevation.

An elevation certificate is a document that lists a building's location, lowest point of elevation, flood zone and other characteristics, according to FEMA.

 Elevation Certificates must be prepared and certified by a Registered Land Surveyor, or Professional Engineer.