Building Near a Floodplain in Michigan
What A Floodplain Is
A floodplain is the land water covers when a river, stream, lake or drain overflows its banks. These areas are mapped, so we know where your lot stands before your designer starts.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We keep you informed at every step and build it with care.
Building Near A Floodplain
Where The Maps Come From
The flood maps come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and some towns keep maps of their own. We read both for your lot, and where a flood level is needed for your spot, we request it from the state.
How High The Home Sits
Near flood-prone land, the height of the lowest floor matters. Novi is one town where it comes up. We give your designer the flood level before the floors are drawn.
Showing It On The Plan
In towns such as Superior Township, flood-prone land is drawn on the plans that go in with the application. We make sure it is marked on yours.
Towns With An Extra Step
Some lots come with a separate flood permit or application, as in Grosse Pointe Park and Franklin, and building there is tightly controlled in Rochester Hills. We find out what your lot calls for and file it.
Near A River Or Creek
In a town built along a river, this is the first thing we look at. We check the maps for your lot and confirm with the town what applies before your designer starts.
General information, not legal advice. Each town, county and state office decides what applies to a property.
Questions About Floodplains
What is a floodplain?
It is the land water covers when a river, stream, lake or drain overflows. We check whether your lot touches one before anything is drawn.
How do I find out if a lot is in a floodplain?
Give us the address. We look up the lot on the flood maps at the start and tell you what we find.
What changes when a lot is near a floodplain?
It varies by town. Some look at how high the home sits, and some have a separate permit. We confirm what applies to your lot and build it into the plans.
Who decides whether a home may be built near a floodplain?
That decision is made by your town, property by property, with the state involved in some cases. We deal with both for you.
Does a creek or a county drain count?
It depends on the maps and on the town. We check both for your lot, so you know before the design begins.
General information, not legal advice.
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