Regulatory Oversight

• Provide recommendations to elected officials regarding floodplain ordinances
• Enforce floodplain ordinances, including notices of violation
• Issue Floodplain Development Permits
• Review building Elevation Certificates
• Maintain accurate floodplain maps 
• Work with the National Flood Insurance Program

The regulatory side of Storm Water Services' Flood Mitigation Program focuses heavily on construction. Development in a FEMA or Community Floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit from the floodplain administrator. Some remodeling or redeveloping of existing structures within the flood hazard areas also requires a Floodplain Development Permit.

Flood Mitigation Efforts
The mitigation side of the Flood Mitigation Program is responsible for minimizing flood hazards in the FEMA regulated floodplain by reducing the probability of contact between people and floodwaters. 

Although several techniques and approaches are available to minimize this probability, Charlotte-Mecklenburg prefers to permanently remove the highest-risk structures located in the floodplain along FEMA-regulated streams. This is being accomplished through Storm Water Services' Floodplain Acquisition Program. 

Other flood hazard mitigation activities include:

• Planning and constructing capital projects (including pursuing grant funding for projects)
• Grant management
• Encouraging owners of flood-prone property to elevate their buildings
• Operating an automated flood warning system for emergency responders
• Maintaining a countywide stream and rain gage network
• Public education about flood safety, insurance and flood risks

The Program's overall goal is to reduce the potential for loss of life and property from flooding.  
 

This Mecklenburg County house was flooded in 2004	The same house was elevated above flood level in 2005

               

For more information about Storm Water Services' efforts to mitigate flooding in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, contact Flood Mitigation Program Manager Tim Trautman at 704-336-7357.