Floodplain maps are used to guide new construction and remodeling, to determine when flood insurance is required, and to set the cost of flood insurance premiums.

There are more than 4,000 commercial and residential structures in Charlotte-Mecklenburg's floodplains.

Local officials use the maps to make sure new construction meets the requirements of floodplain regulations.  Mortgage and insurance companies use the maps to determine the risk of financing or insuring buildings in or near the floodplain.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg is the first community in the nation that shows both the current and future floodplain on its official maps.  The maps have been used since 2000.  FEMA reviewed and approved Charlotte-Mecklenburg's floodplain maps in 2004.

Mecklenburg County's floodplain maps accurately show the locations along major streams and creeks where flooding is more likely to occur now.  Charlotte-Mecklenburg decided to go a step further and determine what areas will be prone to flooding in the future—once land upstream is paved and built upon. 

These locations are known as the Future Floodplain or Community Floodplain.  Because of its potential to flood in the future, there are restrictions on grading, building renovations or new construction in the Future Floodplain.

The remapping initiative begun in 1999 cost $2 million.  It took into account more than 300-miles of major streams in Mecklenburg County.  60% of the funding for the remapping came from the local Storm Water Services fee.  The remaining 40% came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

For more information about floodplain maps, contact Engineering Technician Melonee Brock, Certified Floodplain Manager, at 704-336-3728 or Associate Engineer Tim Ruane, Certified Floodplain Manager, at 704-336-4237.