Phase 1: South-Central and Southeast
Status: Effective on February 19, 2014
This phase covers the south-central and southeastern watersheds, shown on the map above in orange. These floodplains are now official and are being used for both flood insurance and land development floodplain regulation purposes. Floodplain maps for Little Hope Creek went through an additional revision with those corrected maps taking effect on February 15, 2015.
Floodplain regulations for Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, and unincorporated Mecklenburg County have been updated to reflect both the new flood hazard data and the date that the new floodplain maps took effect.
Phase 2: West
Status: Effective on September 2, 2015
This phase covers the western watersheds, shown on the map above in green. Please note that this includes parts of the Catawba River but does not include most lakefront property along Lake Norman or Lake Wylie. These floodplains are now official and are being used for both flood insurance and land development floodplain regulation purposes.
Floodplain regulations for Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, Pineville, and unincorporated Mecklenburg County have been updated to reflect both the new flood hazard data and the date that the new floodplain maps took effect.
Phase 3: Northeast
Status: Effective November 16, 2018
This phase covers the northeastern watersheds, shown on the map above in yellow. These floodplains are now official and are being used for both flood insurance and land development floodplain regulation purposes.
Floodplain regulations for Charlotte, Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson have been updated to reflect both the new flood hazard data and the date that the new floodplain maps took effect.
Phase 4: Catawba River, Including Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake
Status: In Development
The final remapping phase of local floodplains covers the Catawba River in Mecklenburg County, including Lake Norman and Mountain Island Lake. The State of North Carolina is conducting the study with engineering work already underway. Preliminary phase 4 maps are not expected to be available until late 2021.
Floodplain Maps FAQ
What are floodplain maps used to do?
Floodplain maps are used to:
- guide new construction and remodeling
- determine when flood insurance is required
- set the cost of flood insurance premiums.
What’s the difference between the FEMA Floodplain and Community Floodplain?
The FEMA Floodplain shows where flooding is likely to occur now. Community Floodplain shows where flooding is likely to occur in the future, based on expected development upstream. In 2000, Charlotte-Mecklenburg became the first community in the nation to show both current and future floodplains on its official maps.
Can I build or renovate in the floodplain?
Whether you can build or renovate in the floodplain depends on:
- Where the property is in the floodplain.
- If the building's floor is above the required elevation.
- The cost of renovation compared to the value of the existing structure.
Keep in mind: Building codes are different in the floodplain than outside of the floodplain. A special permit is required before any floodplain construction takes place to make sure it complies with the additional regulations. Floodplain development restrictions apply to grading, new construction and some renovations on floodplain property.
To get approval to renovate or repair a structure in the floodplain, you need to know:
- What is the required elevation for a building in that part of the flood zone?
- Is the floor of my building below this required elevation?
Buildings below the required elevation are at a higher risk of flood damage. For that reason, there are restrictions on renovations.
Who should buy flood insurance?
Anyone at even low to moderate risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a floodzone. Some places have higher flood risks than others. If you live on a hill, your risk may be reduced. But it is not eliminated. Flooding can happen anywhere. Each year 25% of flood insurance claims are from outside high-risk areas (regulated, mapped floodplains). Standard homeowners insurance or business insurance does not cover flood damage.
Additional Information