Charleston Floodplain Management

The City of Charleston is a community participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS). Our participation in these programs helps to reduce the risk of current and future flooding, resulting in a more resilient community.”

Announcements 

• FEMA 2019 Elevation Certificate is now available. All Elevation Certificates signed and sealed on or after Feb. 21th, 2020 must be completed using the most current version. 

  • This version will expire on November 30th, 2022

• Flood design elevation increase: Effective July 1st, 2020, all residential & non-residential new construction, and non-residential substantial improvements, in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) must be designed 2 ft. above Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Residential substantial improvement will remain at 1 ft. above BFE.
  • See our Flood Design Compliance Matrix for more information 
• FEMA has updated the risk rating methodology for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to include additional risk factors for more equitable pricing.
  • Risk Rating 2.0 went into effect for new policies on October 1st, 2021, and renewed policies April 1st, 2022.
    • View the Risk Rating 2.0 Equity in Action Fact Sheet Here

(Image credit: Lincoln Co. WI, Land Services)

Goals

• To promote, where practical, the natural functions of the floodplain
• To reduce loss of life and reduce damage to property from flooding
• To mitigate damage to structures in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) from flood events

Objectives

• Promote, manage, and enforce Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and recommendations
• Promote, manage, and enforce National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and recommendations
• Promote, manage, and expand participation in the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS)
• Manage and make available Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information
• Manage development within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions:

The natural functions of floodplains, when preserved or restored to their undeveloped state, provide a range of benefits to both natural and human systems. These benefits fall into the following categories: 

1.  Water Resources:

   • Provides floodwater storage and conveyance which reduces the severity of floods or storm surge
   • Allows sediment to settle out of stormwater, attenuates excess nutrients, and supports other qualities managed under the community’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit 
   • Allows groundwater recharge

2. Biologic Resources:

   • Provides habitat for feeding and reproduction for fish and wildlife species
   • Support high rates of biologic production and diversity

3. Societal Resources:

   • Riparian and coastal vegetation helps stabilize river banks and beaches against erosion
   • Agricultural and wildlife harvesting, including shellfish harvesting
   • Recreational and aesthetic enjoyment

Spaces which provide natural and beneficial floodplain functions in the Charleston area include salt marsh, intertidal wetlands, coastal barriers (such as dunes and maritime forest), and forested wetlands. Regulating development in these sensitive areas helps to preserve their community benefit. 

Learn more about floodplain functions: Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions: Floodplain Management— More than Flood Loss Reduction (ASFPM, 2008)

Resources-  

• Click here to see new changes with Risk Rating 2.0 for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Flooding Tool from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFM)
• 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
• Red Cross Flood Safety Checklist
• Returning to your Flooded Home
• SC Sea Grant Consortium Flooding 411

Be sure to click on the 2022 Flood Information Guide to learn more information about flooding preparation in your neighborhood.