Floodplain Study

WHY IS A FLOODPLAIN STUDY NECESSARY?

The purpose of a floodplain study is to establish the 100-year floodplain limits within or near a development in order to preserve the natural resources within the 100-year floodplain, to protect property and persons, and to apply a unified, comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

WHEN DO I NEED A FLOODPLAIN STUDY?

A study is required for any subdivision activity in Montgomery County that includes or is close to a drainage way having a contributing drainage area of 30 acres or greater.

HOW DO I ESTABLISH THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN?

The 100-year floodplain can be established using the following:

1. Detailed floodplain - MNCPPC floodplain maps; Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)FIRM maps, or Flood Boundary and Flood way Maps; and DPS approved engineered floodplain studies.
2. Approximate floodplain - Floodplain areas in the County where a detailed study has not been performed, but where a 100-year floodplain boundary has been approximated.
3. Unstudied area - Areas not identified in item #1 or #2.

For developments where floodplain limits fall under items #2 and #3, an Engineered Floodplain Study will be required as part of the development plan approval.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION APPROVAL PROCESS?

Submit a completed Floodplain District Permit Application with appropriate supporting information (a development plan, and any supporting technical information) and appropriate application fees. The owner of the property where the land-disturbing activity is to be performed, or the owner's authorized agent, must sign the application .Please refer to the second page of the FPDP Application for submittal requirements.

WHAT WILL THE FLOODPLAIN STUDY REVIEW COST?

Fees associated with the Floodplain Study are in accordance with Schedule of Fees for Permits Licenses and Inspections – Method 3  and is required for all Floodplain Study applications. An additional 5% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above as per Montgomery County Regulation 13-13 - Adoption of an Automation Enhancement Fee.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FLOODPLAIN STUDY APPROVAL?

An engineered floodplain study takes approximately six to eight weeks for review and approval. The actual processing time may vary according to workload and/or complexity of the project.

WHAT NEXT?

Upon the approval of the floodplain study, the applicant can apply for a Floodplain District Permit if the development proposes to construct within the 100-year floodplain. All approved floodplain limits must be shown on the subdivision record plat prior to recordation.