Floodplain Information

Floodplain Ordinance

Much of Wise County is in the Floodplain. Wise County is a member of NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program). For the citizens of Wise County to continue to obtain flood insurance from their local provider, the County is obligated to enforce the floodplain ordinance.

The primary feature of the floodplain ordinance is to prevent damage to all structures. This is accomplished by elevating the structures above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All new construction must meet the floodplain ordinance and any substantial improvements to the property will also have to meet the floodplain ordinance.

Before beginning any project in the Floodplain, or if you are unsure, please contact this office for information. The Building and Zoning Department can determine if the property is in the floodplain or not.