Floodplain Regulations

Input from community stakeholder group and the public.
Recommendations shared with the Planning Commission and its text change committee.
Recommendations approved by Stormwater Management Advisory Commission & Raleigh City Council.
Official ordinance change process, including public hearings and input (if approved by Council).

Current Regulations

Right now, you can build in a part of the floodplain.
View current regulations (Unified Development Ordinance - Section 9.3)

Proposed Regulations

Extend building restrictions for new development to the entire floodplain.

You would no longer be able to build new structures in the floodplain.
New roads would also need to provide dry access during a major rainstorm.
These changes would impact vacant lots in the floodplain.

Exemptions

Properties in the floodplain already developed
Properties 0.5 acres or less

View proposed floodplain ordinance changes

Provide Feedback

Let us know what you think of proposed changes. Take this survey. The survey is also available in Spanish. The survey is open until Jan. 31.

Benefits

Changes in regulation would reduce development in the floodplain, which:

Allows water to flow more naturally and safely near streambanks;
Benefits the quality of streams and rivers;
Protects wildlife habitat;
Reduces risk to people and their property from hazardous flooding; and,
Lowers flood insurance premiums for residents.

Allowed Activities

You can still do these activities in the floodplain (under current and new regulations). What you can do is based on the size and location of your property.

Farming and Wildlife	Yard / Home Areas	Recreation
Farming or pastures Outdoor plants or nurseries Wildlife sanctuary	Lawn Yards Gardens Parking areas Play areas	Golf courses Tennis courts Picnic ground Parks, greenways, and bikeways Hiking or horseback riding trails Other recreational uses

Watch - Virtual Meeting

We held a virtual meeting on Dec 8. Staff presented on ways you can stay safe in the floodplain. We also shared what we're doing to protect communities in the floodplain with proposed regulation changes.

Watch a recording of the meeting below.