What is required when I apply for a building permit in a floodplain?

Any development in the floodplain requires a building permit in accordance with St. Lucie County Land Development Code Section 11.05.01. If you suspect that illegal floodplain development is occurring call the St. Lucie County Planning and Development Services Department at (772) 462-1553.

Also, in accordance with NFIP standards, St. Lucie County Land Development Code requires that if the cost of any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50 percent of the building’s market value, such work is considered a substantial improvement. The existing building is then required to meet the same standards as a new building. For residential structures, these requirements typically mean raising the living area of the building to the base flood elevation.

When building a home in a floodplain an Elevation Certificate from a licensed surveyor, is required to ensure the house is built above the base flood elevation. And Elevation Certificate is also required when a resident decides to buy Flood insurance. For more information on Elevation Certificates click here.