Permit Requirement Info
INFORMATION ON PERMIT REQUIREMENT
TO DEVELOP IN A SPECIALFLOOD HAZARD AREA
Please call, BEFORE you build, Autauga County Engineering at (334)361-3761.
Permits are required to “develop” in a Flood Zone. Specifically, flood zones within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- If you are within 100ft of a SFHA you will need a permit.
In general, if you have property near the Alabama River or any one of the many creeks in the county, you will need a permit for any type of development.- If you pass one of these signs you have entered a SFHA and a permit is required. The County posted these signs in the largest affected areas as you enter on the main road. There are many smaller areas countywide that do not have signs posted.
Autauga County regulates development in the SFHA.
- See: Autauga County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
- The main purpose of the permit requirement is to follow FEMA rules and regulations to prevent damage within the floodplain and reduce risk of loss due to a flood event.
Development is considered to be ANY type of construction including: (new residential or commercial structures), (the placement of mobile home & RVs), (additions, remodeling, alterations of existing structures), excavations, (accessory structures such as sheds & pole barns)etc.
There are restrictions on what can be built and how it is built to be relatively safe from flood damage.
Each case is different and has different requirements. There are restrictions on certain structures.
There is no cost for the permit application with the county.
- However, there are external costs that are, or may be, involved for proper certifications needed for an approved permit, such as;
- Elevation Certificates (from a surveyor) are approx. $700 each, there are usually a minimum of two required when dealing with structures.
- If you are in a designated “Floodway” a no-rise certificate (from an engineer) maybe required which can cost approx. $3,000 to $15,000.
Please call, BEFORE you build, Autauga County Engineering at (334)361-3761.
We are here to help you with any questions and provide guidance for the determination of Flood Zones, requirements and restrictions.
It’s all about reducing flood damage and maintaining the future safety our community.
- Autauga County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance AutaugaCounty: Flood Zone Regulations
- FEMA Flood Zone information FEMA Flood Zone Info
- Information on building requirements in the flood zone, see FEMA technical bulletins 1 thru 12
- FEMA library (search for technical bulletins) Technical bulletins
- FEMA Flood Zone Map FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- ADECA Flood Zone Map AL Flood Risk map
- More information from ADECA, go to bottom of the page, there is a “Quick Guide” that has some useful information. National Flood Insurance Program and Flood Insurance Reform Act – ADECA
