The City of Gainesville is divided by three major floodplain areas.  Building and development in the areas is of course highly restricted.

The City has it's own Floodplain Ordinance which is modeled after FEMA Regulations.  In view of the severe flood conditions that have been experienced in these floodplain areas in the past, development and construction are not recommended.

If you desire to build in an area subject to flooding, you must submit an Application for Floodplain Development along with the appropriate fee and two sets of plans to the Floodplain Administrator for consideration.

The plans will be reviewed and passed on to the City Manager and the City Engineer for final approval.  If any floodplain surveys or engineering studies are required by the City or by FEMA, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to have these done and to pay for them.

FEMA will also be consulted to see if they approve of the project.  Any FEMA fees will be paid by the applicant.

No construction in a floodplain area will be allowed before the issuance of a permit.

No construction will be allowed in a regulated floodway.

1. Obtain a copy of the Floodplain Application Form from the Building Official or Floodplain Administrator. Return completed application with all required attachments and pay non-refundable fee. There is no guarantee that the application will be approved even if all submission requirements are met. No construction permits shall be issued until such time as the Floodplain Application is approved by the proper authorities.
   
   
2. Denied applications may be appealed to the Board of Code Appeals, but the Board Does not have the authority to over-rule any code related issues.
   
   
3. Required attachments are as follows:
   
   A. Copies of any State or Federal permits relating to the floodplain and pollution or any other issues. The applicant is responsible to research the project and find out if any exist.
   
   B.  A current survey map showing the elevations and locations of all flood zones and regulated floodways on the property.
   
   C.  If any portion of the property or project is in the floodplain or in a floodway, an engineering study may be required to determine the impact of the project on the floodplain or floodway. Approval from FEMA may be required.
   
   D.  At least two sets of wet stamped plans and specifications of the proposed construction for the City of Gainesville. Be aware that other governmental agencies such as FEMA may also require plans. A plan review fee will be charged by the City of Gainesville for checking the plans for compliance with any other related codes and standards. Be aware that other governmental agencies may also haveadditional fees. City of Gainesville Construction Permit fees are in addition to any floodplain related fees.
   
   E.  Detailed descriptions of any manufacturing processes or other activities to be performed at this location.
   
   F.  Plans for the access by emergency personnel and equipment during times of flood or other emergencies.
   
   G.  Copies of any other plans, investigations or research projects that could have a bearing on the final decision to issue a permit.
   
   H.  Copies of any notices that may be required to adjacent property owners or communities as provided for in the Floodplain Ordinance.
   
   
4. Engineer Certificates of Elevation shall be required before any final Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued.
   
   
5. You are hereby forewarned that any and all expenses incurred for all of the above requirements and any additional requirements are to be borne by the applicant.