FLOOD HAZARDS: CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG SENDING WORD TO 15,000 PROPERTY OWNERS

Charlotte, NC - There are about 5,000 properties in Mecklenburg County with buildings in a floodplain. Another 10,000 owners have undeveloped floodplain property. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services wants to make sure those property owners know their flood risks and the laws governing construction or renovations in a floodplain.

Each property owner will receive a packet of information in the mail to ensure they realize their property is in a floodplain.  The packet also includes information about flood maps, flood insurance, how to protect yourself in the event of flood, and proposed changes in local floodplain regulations. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is requesting revisions to the existing floodplain rules, in areas such as:
- Permitting when developing in a floodplain
- Access to buildings during a flood
- Higher building standards
- New parking lot requirements
- New levee requirements

50% Rule: Property owners whose floors are BELOW the projected flood level will also receive information about rebuilding or renovations. Anyone wishing to rebuild or renovate their structure must raise the floor level of their building, IF the cost of the improvement project is more then 50% of the value of the building, or when two improvements within ten years each exceed 25% of the building value. While this rule has been in effect since the 1970s, more buildings are affected since new floodplain maps took effect in 2000.

Floodplain property owners regularly receive information from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services. The mailings sent this month are tailored to specific property owners' flood risk and applicability of floodplain regulations.

Property owners can visit http://stormwater.charmeck.org for more information.