In order to minimize the threat to life and property from flooding and erosion hazards, the Zoning and Codes Department administers Douglas County's floodplain management program (see Douglas County's Floodplain Management Regulations 12-328). The program is managed in accordance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's policies, to provide these benefits:
Douglas County Floodplain Map Viewer
Kansas Floodplain Map Viewer
New buildings in the floodplain must be protected from flood damage. Douglas County's building code requires that new structures must be elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation (or a minimum of 2’ elevation in the Urban Growth Area of the City of Lawrence). No new construction or filling is allowed in the floodway, unless it can be demonstrated through hydrologic analysis that it will not increase in the base flood elevation. Development includes any man-made change to the land or buildings, including, but not limited to:
Structures are required to be dry floodproofed and have the lowest floor elevated at least 1’ above the Base Flood Elevation (or a minimum of 2’ elevation in the Urban Growth Area of Lawrence). The minimum elevation applies to HVAC, water heaters, heat pumps, and similar machinery and equipment.
Wet floodproofing is permitted for Ag buildings and other non-habitable structures.
Always call the Douglas County Zoning & Codes Department at 785.331.1343 before you build, alter, re-grade or fill on your property. If you see building or filling without the County's approval, please notify us. A permit is required to ensure that projects do not cause problems on other properties and meet local, State and Federal requirements.
If new construction or renovations are in the floodplain, a flood development permit is required prior to the issue of the building permit.
Please see Douglas County Floodplain Management Regulations 12-328 for construction in floodplains.
Additional helpful information:
All development and grading in the floodplain (not just structures) requires local permits. Be sure to contact the Douglas County Zoning Office to discuss applicable requirements.
The County's Floodplain Management Regulations (Chapter 12-328), defines development requirements within floodplains and floodways to promote public health and safety, to minimize flood losses. Adopted County Building Codes includes structural requirements applicable to development in these areas.
An Elevation Certificate (EC) is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, to determine the proper flood insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F). The Elevation Certificate is required in order to properly rate post-FIRM buildings or substantially improved structures. You may learn more about Elevation Certificates by visiting FEMA's Overview of the NFIP Elevation Certificate.
A LOMA or LOMR-F are documents that FEMA can issue that officially remove a property and/or structure from the Special Flood Hazard Area (1% or 100 year floodplain) depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. A LOMA or LOMR-F request must include certain mapping and survey information for FEMA's consideration. Specific requirements relating to this process can be found on FEMA's website for letter of map amendments and letter of map revisions.
Elevation benchmarks in proximity to Special Flood Hazard Areas in Douglas County are mapped for your convenience. Monument reference numbers shown thereon are those used in the National Geodetic Survey Datasheets, where additional information is provided.
FEMA has numerous helpful resources available on their website, including information specifically directed to Engineers, Surveyors, and Architects. More information is available on FEMA'S website for Engineers, Surveyors & Architects.
Other FEMA provided information links:
If you wish to make a determination for yourself, you can view FEMA flood hazard maps at the Douglas County Zoning & Codes Department. Or you can access floodplain maps online at the FEMA Map Service Center. You do not need an account to get flood zone information.
Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. You should consider obtaining flood insurance, even if it hasn't been required by your mortgage lender. Because Douglas County participates in the NFIP, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Don't wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30 day waiting period before National Flood Insurance coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.
For more information on flood insurance, please call NFIP assistance at 1.888.379.9531.
Additional Resources
Residential Coverage Protect Yourself with Flood Insurance
Preferred Risk Policy Eligibility Extension New Low-Cost Flood Insurance Option For Your Community
Allowable Rise - The Allowable Rise in a floodplain is simply the amount of rise in floodwater that FEMA or a local municipality will allow as caused by man-made structures, placement of fill material, etc. The allowable rise is used as the basis for delimiting a floodway.
Base Flood Elevation (BFE) - Defined by FEMA as the height of the base (100-year) flood in relation to a specified datum, usually the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 or North American Vertical Datum of 1988. Generally speaking, this is the elevation of the 100-year floodwaters relative to "mean sea level". BFE is not depth of flooding. To determine depth of flooding, you would need to subtract the lowest elevation of a particular property from the BFE. For example, if the property's foundation was at an elevation of 125 feet and the BFE was 131 feet, then one might infer that the 100-year depth of flooding would be approximately 6 feet.
Base Flood Approximation (BFA) - Flood mapping that shows the approximate outline of the base floodplain. An approximate study does not produce a base flood elevation.
Bench Marks - Monuments on the ground that show the elevation of the spot above sea level.
Building (Structure) - A walled and roofed structure that is principally above ground. The term includes manufactured homes, mobile homes and gas or liquid storage tanks.
Conveyance - Conveyance is a term commonly referring to the amount of area water needs to maintain its flow. Specific to floodplains, conveyance is the area that flood flows require to pass the peak flood flow rate. If, say, conveyance is increased by digging a larger channel for flood flows to pass through, it would likely result in lowered flood elevations and/or lowered water velocities.
Conditional Letter of Map Amendment - CLOMA. A statement from FEMA that if a project is constructed as planned, a letter of map amendment can be issued later.
Conditional Letter of Map Revision - CLOMR. A statement that if a project is constructed as planned, a letter of map revision can be issued later.
Federal Emergency Management Agency - FEMA. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Flood Insurance Rate Map- FIRM. The FIRM is where to look for flood information on a property or region. The FIRM is a map provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) showing floodplain boundaries and sometimes floodway boundaries, depending on the level of study that an area has received. Some of the older FIRM’s do not have floodway mapping, and separate Floodway maps provided by the NFIP must be obtained.
Floodplain - The floodplain line represents the extents to which flood waters would encroach in a specified flood event. Most commonly, the 100-year flood event is shown on flood map-ping done by FEMA and local municipalities. Also, the 500-year flood event is typically shown on flood mapping done in more populated areas.
Floodway - The floodway is a theoretical line which represents the limits to which the flood-plain could be constrained (filled in, blocked, etc.) before a specified allowable rise in flood elevation occurs. Commonly, the allowable rise ranges from 6- to 12- inches.
Flood Fringe - The flood fringe is the area between the floodplain line and the floodway line. As discussed above, the floodway represents the limits to which the floodplain could be filled in. Accordingly, the flood fringe is the area of the floodplain that can be filled with the assurance that the allowable rise in flood elevation will not be exceeded.
Flood Insurance Rate Map - FIRM. An official map of a community, on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the Special Flood Hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
Flood. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas.
Flood Fringe. The portion of the floodplain lying on either side of the floodway.
Flood Hazard Mitigation. All actions that can be taken to reduce property damage and the threat to life and public health from flooding.
Flood Mitigation Assistance. A grant program funded by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Floodplain. Any land area susceptible to being inundated by flood waters from any source.
Floodproofing. Protective measures added to or incorporated in a building that is not elevated above the base flood elevation to prevent or minimize flood damage. "Dry floodproofing" measures are designed to keep water from entering a building. "Wet floodproofing" measures minimizes damage to a structure and its contents from water that is allowed into a building.
Floodway. The stream channel and that portion of the adjacent floodplain which must remain open to permit passage of the base flood.
Geographic Information System - GIS. Computer based map system that allow the user to keep a map updated easily and to correlate geographic information with other data, such as tax records on properties.
Letter of Map Amendment - LOMA. The LOMA process is administered by FEMA and can be utilized to amend/revise a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The LOMA is very similar to a LOMR-F, and is used to show that due to the existence of high ground or fill material, an area or structure should be removed from the floodplain. The LOMA has certain restrictions applied to the timing of placement of fill. In short, a LOMA can only be used if fill was placed prior to the date of the first FIRM identifying the floodplain to be amended.
Letter of Map Revision - LOMR. The LOMR process is administered by FEMA and can be utilized to revise a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The LOMR is typically used to show more complex changes to the floodplain than simply the placement of fill, as with the LOMR-F. The LOMR can be used to show corrections to floodplain and floodway mapping, changes in regional hydrology (determination of flood flows), addition of bridges or structures within a waterway, etc.
Letter of Map Revision based on Fill - LOMR-F. The LOMR-F process is administered by FEMA and can be utilized to revise a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The LOMR-F is used to show that due to the placement of fill, an area or structure has been raised out of the floodplain.
Market Value. The price a willing buyer and seller agree upon.
National Flood Insurance Program - NFIP. The NFIP is the federal agency which oversees the nation’s database of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), in addition to serving many other flood related functions.
Non-structural Flood Protection Measures. Administrative tools for controlling flooding and flood damage, including regulations on development, building codes, property acquisition and structure relocation, and modification of existing buildings.
No-Rise Certification. A certification by an engineer that a project will not cause a set increase in flood heights.
Ponding. Runoff that collects in depressions and cannot drain out, creating a temporary pond.
Post-FIRM Building. For insurance rating purpose, a post-FIRM building was constructed or substantially improved after December 31, 1974, or after the effective date of the initial Flood Insurance Rate Map of a community, whichever is later. A post-FIRM building is required to meet the National Flood Insurance Program's minimum Regular Program flood protection standards.
Pre-FIRM Building. For insurance rating purposes, a pre-FIRM building was constructed or substantially improved on or before December 31, 1974, or before the effective date of the initial Flood INsurance Rate Map of the community, whichever is later. Most pre-FIRM buildings were constructed without taking the flood hazard into account.
Probability. A statistical term having to do with the size of a flood and the odds of that size of flood occurring in any year.
Regular Program. Also called the Regular Phase. The phase of community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program that begins on the date of the Flood Insurance Rate Map or when the community adopts an ordinance that meets the minimum requirements of the NFIP and adopts the technical data provided with the FIRM, whichever is later. Nearly all communities participating in NFIP are in the Regular Program.
Runoff. Rainfall and snowmelt that reaches a stream.
Special Flood Hazard Area -SFHA. Land areas that are at high risk for flooding.
Stormwater Management. Efforts to reduce the impact of increased runoff that results from new development.
Substantial Damage. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of the re-storing the structure to its undamaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Substantial Improvement. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement to a structure, the total cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. The definition of "substantial improvement" includes buildings that have been repaired after suffering substantial damage. [Special exceptions apply minimum code requirements and listed properties on an historic register.]
Watershed. An area that drains into a lake, stream or other body of water.
Wet Floodproofing. Protecting a building from flood damage by using flood-resistant materials below the flood level and elevating things subject to flood damage above the flood level.
Zones. Special Flood Hazard Areas are designated by zones.
Zone | Type | Definition |
---|---|---|
Five types of A | A | SFHA where no base flood elevation is provided. This link, Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas - A Guide for Obtaining and Developing Base (100 yr) Flood Elevations, will help engineers, land surveyors and architects determine a base flood elevation when no study was performed for the flood area. |
A# | Numbered A Zones (e.g., A7 or A14), SFHA where the FIRM shows a base flood elevation in relation to NGVD. | |
AE | SFHA where base flood elevations are provided. AE Zone delineations are now used on new FIRMs instead of A# Zones. | |
AH | Areas of 1 percent annual chance shallow flooding with constant water-surface elevation (usually areas of ponding) where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet. | |
AO | SFHA with sheet flow, ponding, or shallow flooding. Base flood depths (feet above grade) are provided. | |
Zone B | Area of moderate flood hazard, usually depicted on Flood Insurance Rate Maps as between the limits of the base and 500-year floods. B Zones are also used to designate base floodplains of little hazard, such as those with average depths of less than 1 foot. | |
Zone C | Area of minimal flood hazard, usually depicted on Flood Insurance Rate Maps as above the 500-year flood level. B and C Zones may have flooding that does not meet the criteria to be mapped as a Special Flood Hazard Area, especially ponding and local drainage problems. | |
Zone D | Area of undetermined but possible flood hazard. | |
Zone V | The Special Flood Hazard Area subject to coastal high hazard flooding. There are three types of V Zones: V, V#, and VE, and they correspond to the A Zone designations. | |
Zone X | Newer Flood Insurance Rate Maps show Zones B and C (see above) as Zone X. |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Douglas County has developed an interactive mapping system that allows users to access preliminary floodplain information online and locate their property to see if their is floodplain on the property and if there was a change since it was last delineated.
Converting floodplain maps to a digital format is one more step towards FEMA’s goal to acquire better more accurate mapping. It does not address all the flaws in existing maps. However, it will make the maps easier to change in the future and reduce the costs of printing new maps in the long term. Processing Douglas County's floodplain maps to a digital format for distribution in electronic media and made available on the internet will increase availability to more people than ever before.
To use the GIS map viewer, you will need to access the website, Douglas County's floodplain maps . Follow the user's guide and it will instruct you on how to use the GIS mapping system.
Information regarding Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) flood zone determinations in unincorporated areas is available from the County's GIS mapping system. Also, you may access the flood zone maps through the FEMA Map Service Center. You do not need an account to get flood zone information - just type in your address on the left-side of the page under "Product Search". On the next page, click "View" to get the flood map of the area. Additionally, structures located in the SFHA may have an Elevation Certificate completed if it was built after a SFHA designation. This information is also available at the Douglas County's Zoning & Codes department.
If you are not sure if your property is located in a FEMA designated SFHA (1% or 100-year floodplain), you may request a written determination. You may complete the Flood Zone Information Request Form and submit it to the Zoning & Codes Department, as instructed on the form, or contact us at 785.331.1343.
Another resource for GIS mapping system is located with the State of Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources. There is a tutorial on this website to help you navigate around the State of Kansas GIS Floodplain Mapping system. The State's mapping system keeps records of all approved Letter of Map Changes and Letter of Map Amendments.
This is a map of Douglas County depicting parcels with floodplain and floodway areas.
Flood Zone Information
If you wish to make your own determination, you can view FEMA flood hazard maps online at the FEMA Map Service Center. You do not need an account to get flood zone information - just type in your address on the left side of the page under "Product Search". On the next page, click "View" to get the flood map of the area.
Flood Insurance
Before/During/After Rain Events
Wakarusa River at Clinton Lake
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
Stay alert to weather conditions and forecasts for severe thunderstorms or flash flooding. If a road is covered by water, turn around and find another, safer path to your destination!
Flood Watch |
Flooding is possible |
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Flash Flood Watch |
Flooding is possible with little or no warning. |
Flood Warning |
Flooding is imminent (it may take several hours/days to occur) |
Flash Flood Warning |
Flash flooding is imminent and precautions should be taken. |
Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
A flood can cause physical hazards and emotional stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
To request information about floodplain on your property, please complete this form, "Request for Floodplain Information".
Information about how and what you need to know to obtain flood insurance.
Information regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is available though the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments participating in that program.
To learn more about the NFIP, visit Floodsmart.gov.
Douglas County participates in the NFIP, thereby providing homeowners, renters and business owners in our community with access to federally-backed flood insurance. By implementing floodplain management activities, residents of Douglas County's unincorporated areas qualify for a flood insurance premium rate reductions. If your property is located within one of the County's incorporated cities, you should contact that jurisdiction for information on their participation in the NFIP.
Federal Law requires that a flood insurance policy be obtained as a condition of a federally backed mortgage or loan that is secured by the structure. It is up to the lender to determine whether flood insurance is required for a property. If you have learned that you are required to obtain flood insurance, or if you are not sure if your property is located in a FEMA designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), you may request a written determination. You may complete the "Flood Zone Information Request Form" and submit it to the Douglas County Zoning & Codes Department.
Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. You should consider obtaining flood insurance, even if it hasn't been required by your mortgage lender. Because Douglas County participates in the NFIP, you can purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Don't wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. There is a 30 day waiting period before National Flood Insurance coverage takes effect. Contact your insurance agent for more information on rates and coverage.
CRS COMMUNITY DISCOUNTS
Douglas County participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) for the unincorporated areas. As a Class 8 community, flood insurance policyholders receive a 10% discount on their premiums.
For more information on flood insurance, please call NFIP assistance at 1.888.379.9531.
Additional Resources:
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) was implemented in 1990 as a program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 codified the CRS in the NFIP.
Here are some additional resources:
The Flood Elevation Certificate is an important tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is used to certify building elevations if the building is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area in order to:
The elevation information must be submitted on the Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 086-0-33) in effect at the time that the Elevation Certificate was completed and signed. Elevation Certificates can only be completed by a land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is licensed by the State to perform such functions. Here is the fillable version of the Elevation Certificate form .
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: