A floodplain is a relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream, or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river, or watercourse, and/or an area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source. In the interest of public safety and natural resource preservation, the nature and extent of development within floodplains is restricted.
The Bureau of Planning administers floodplain regulations contained in the Zoning Ordinance, (ยง300-39). These provisions are in addition to those requirements administered by the Bureau of Building Codes contained in the Building Code (Chapter 109). Official flood maps can be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
