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Floodplain Permits & Building Requirements
Private Property Improvements in the Floodway
Construction within the floodway is not permitted unless the improvement is independently evaluated through hydraulic modeling by a registered professional engineer and a
"No Rise" certificated is completed.
- The "No Rise" certificate ensures there will be no floodway impact (no increase to the 100-year flood stage) as a result of the improvement.
- Essentially all construction activities in the Floodway require the issuance of the Conditional Use Permit after consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Geotechnical evaluation of the site may be required based on lot specific criteria.
Private Property Improvements in the Floodplain
Essentially all construction activities (e.g. excavation and/or fill) and improvements (e.g. fences, structures, building additions, remodeling, levees, and flood-walls) made on private property in the floodplain require a Floodplain Development Permit. As part of permit issuance:
- The location and type of improvement proposed must be evaluated.
- If the improvement encroaches within the recommended geotechnical setback (area at risk of riverbank stability failures), more detailed geotechnical analysis may be required or recommended prior to permit issuance.
- If substantial improvements to a non-conforming building are proposed, the building may need to comply with current floodplain building standards.
Building Standards & Basements
A Floodplain Development Permit is required if a new home/structure or addition to an existing home/structure is proposed within the FEMA 100- year floodplain (even if the property is covered by a LOMA or LOMR-F). In certain situations, a Provisional Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit may also be required.
If the improvements include a basement floodproof construction standards apply and are implemented as follows:
- A Floodplain Development Permit application must be submitted. The City will provide the minimum foundation elevation and maximum basement depth to comply with FEMA standards.
- Building plans and as-builts must be prepared and certified by a professional engineer or professional architect in the State of Minnesota and must incorporate floodproof construction standards.
- Two sets of construction plans must be submitted and must clearly show floodproofing details (including minimum and maximum elevation requirements).
- After plan approval, the City will issue a Floodplain Development Permit. No construction can commence until the permit is issued.
- A elevation stake is supplied by the Engineering Department for construction purposes. This elevation should be verified, prior to construction, by the engineer/architect hired to certify the improvement.
- When construction is complete, the permitee must submit required building inspection forms, as-built plans, and a FEMA Elevation
Certificate to the City.
Links:
Floodplain Development Permit Application for Dikes and/or Fences
Floodplain Development Permit Application for New Home Construction
Floodproof Construction Requirements
For Floodplain Information, please contact the City of Moorhead Engineering Department at (218) 299-5390.
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