News
Charleston County’s New Flood Maps Go into Effect on January 29, 2021
Charleston County’s new flood maps will become effective on January 29, 2021. The new maps will impact the requirement and cost for flood insurance for some Charleston County residents. These maps will also affect base flood elevation requirements on new construction homes and businesses. New construction applications and permits issued after January 29, 2021 will be evaluated and reviewed based on the new flood maps.
The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Charleston County Government, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood maps improve over time as better flood hazard and risk data becomes available. In addition, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental and floodplain changes as well as other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to address these changes.
By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.
For more information about Charleston County’s Floodplain Management, visit their website at https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/building-inspection-services/flood-plain.php