Storm Water Services is updating local floodplain maps. The process takes several years and is being done in phases. Among other things, floodplain maps are used to determine who is required to buy flood insurance and which building and remodeling restrictions apply in flood-prone areas.

At this time, the new floodplain maps have NOT taken effect for flood insurance purposes or for all aspects of the regulatory (construction and land development) process.

Phase 1 - South-central and southeast Charlotte-Mecklenburg (shown on map in tan)

Now in Preliminary status - Appeals period has ended. Compliance period begins in June. New maps are scheduled to become effective on December 20, 2013.

Phase 2 - Western Charlotte-Mecklenburg (shown on map in green)

Now in Draft status - new lines have been drawn and are being reviewed for accuracy.

Phase 3 - Northeast Charlotte-Mecklenburg and many lakefront properties (shown on map in yellow)

Now in Development status - engineering work underway to draw new lines.

Remapping does not have the same effect on all properties. Some properties aren't affected by the new maps. Their flood risk remains the same as before. New mapping data shows other properties have a higher flood risk than before. And some properties are being mapped into lower-risk areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about updating floodplain maps

Phase 2  Phase 2 covers the western watersheds - the areas shown in green on the map above. New floodplain maps for these watersheds are available in draft form. Draft floodplain maps for Phase 2 Public meetings about the Phase 2 draft floodplain maps were held in July 2012. Later this year, the Phase 2 maps and public comments about them will be sent to the federal government for a mandatory, year-long review. Please note that Phase 2 remapping includes much of the Catawba River but does not include most lakefront land along Lake Norman or Lake Wylie.

Public meetings are part of the remapping process

Phase 3

Northeast Mecklenburg watersheds as well as some lakefront properties, shown on the map in yellow, are the third and last phase of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's remapping effort. Draft versions of the new maps are not available yet. 

On-site surveying in the Phase 3 area began in the spring of 2013. Draft maps will be created when all required data is collected. Public meetings about draft floodplain maps for Phase 3 are expected to be held in 2014. New floodplain maps these sections of Mecklenburg County are expected to take effect in 2016.

If you have questions about the new floodplain maps or timetables for any section of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, call 704-432-RAIN (7246).

	Why do floodplain maps change? Flood risks change because of: development population changes local projects to manage storm water  Mapping technology has improved since the current maps were drawn ten years ago. Those advancements allow Storm Water Services to more
accurately predict where floodwater is likely to flow. The new maps also calculate how deep floodwater is likely to get.

What are floodplains?

What is a watershed?
 
What are floodplain maps used for?
 
What’s the difference between the FEMA Floodplain and Community Floodplain?
 
Can I build or renovate in the floodplain?
 
Who should buy flood insurance?
  
How floodplain maps are developed in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
 
For more information about floodplain map updates:

Robert Billings, P.E., P.H., C.F.M.
Floodplain Mapping Project Manager
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
704-432-0907