Worcester County participates in the FEMA flood regulation program which provides insurance to owner’s. In Worcester County, flood insurance may be purchased in all areas. The flood zone and building construction type are generally evaluated to set insurance rates. Specific insurance questions should be directed to insurance companies selling insurance products in Worcester County. When constructing in a flood zone, Worcester County code requires certain construction practices and items which are designed to mitigate damage in the event of flooding.
There are several special flood hazard areas mapped by FEMA in Worcester County including A, AE, Coastal A and V flood zones. Each zone requires items to mitigate damage to a structure in the event of flooding. Most often this includes elevating structures and may incorporate foundation construction that reinforce buildings.
Permits are required for building construction, alterations and additions in a special flood hazard zone. The following items are most frequently questioned.
- In A and AE flood zones, crawl spaces, accessory buildings less than 300 square feet and attached garages below the base flood elevation (BFE) require a minimum of two (2) flood vent openings having a total net area of not less than one (1) square inch for everyone (1) square foot of enclosed area. Certified flood vents allow less penetrations and custom vents must be certified by a MD Engineer or Architect.
- The bottom of all such openings shall not be higher than 12 inches above inside or outside grade. Openings shall permit automatic entry and discharge of flood waters.
- The interior grade in the under-floor space shall be at or above the outside finished grade.
- Liquid propane and other fuel tanks must be secured and adequately anchored to resist buoyancy and movement.
- Manufactured homes set up in flood zones require all piers to be reinforced by rebar and grout.
- Any other designs, including those for structures located in V-zones and Coastal A Zones, shall be certified by a registered design professional licensed in the State of Maryland.
- No habitable space is allowed below base flood. Only garages, storage and limited entries.
- Non-conversion and/or venting affidavits may be required.
- No finish and non-flood resistant materials are permitted below base flood (eg: drywall, fiberglass insulation).
- When working on existing structures in a flood zone, substantial improvement (improvements greater than 50% of the structure market value at the time of work) evaluation will be used to determine scope of compliance. For example, a substantially improved structure will require full compliance with all flood construction regulations like a new structure up to and including elevating the structure if required to comply.
Reference Worcester County Floodplain Management Code BR 2-301.
For more information, please contact Development Review and Permitting Department.
FEMA Flood Maps are available for viewing at www.mdfloodmaps.net