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In Madison, we take care to ensure that any type of development in the city does not negatively affect our natural environment. Of particular interest is new development. One key tool to address environmental issues is the city’s Stormwater Management Ordinance, based on the Mississippi state model ordinance.

Floodplain management is a community program of corrective and preventative measures for mitigating flood damage. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include requirements for zoning, subdivisions or buildings, and special-purpose floodplain ordinances.

Madison the City’s floodplain management ordinances, particularly with respect to new construction, is an important element in making flood insurance available to home and business owners.

Madison is a CRS (Community Rating System) community. This rating system allows for reduced flood insurance based on criteria set forth by the National Flood Insurance Program. The city is required to keep accurate records and make information available to the public concerning flood-related issues in order to receive a rating. Madison is one of more than 20,100 communities that voluntarily adopts and enforces local floodplain management ordinances. This allows us to provide building standards that reduce flood loss for new and existing development. If a resident is asked to supply an elevation certificate for property, contact the Community Development Department at 601.856.7116. There may be one on file.

A resident’s role in floodplain management includes:

  • Know Your flood hazard – Your property could be subject to flooding, particularly if you live near a creek. Call City Hall to find out the flood risk for your property.
  • Insure your property from flood hazards – Ask your insurance agent if you are covered for flood damage.
  • Build Responsibly – Call Buildings and Permits at 601.856.6336, and get a permit before you build, add fill, or make substantial improvements to your home. Do not build or grade within 10 feet of property lines so you do not alter the drainage between homes.
  • Protect Natural Floodplain Functions – It is a violation of Madison’s Zoning Ordinance to dump trash or debris into inlets, streams, ditches, or creeks. Report violations to City Hall.

LINKS

FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
NFIP – National Flood Insurance Program
MDEQ – Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
ASFPM – Association of State Floodplain Managers
MSEMA – Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
FloodSmart.gov
Flood Zone Definitions

DOWNLOADS

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Stormwater Management Ordinance
Elevation Certificate
Flood Hazard: Check Before You Buy
About The Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance Requirement
Current Madison Floodplain Map
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084 (2011)
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, (2011) Volume 1
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55, (2011) Volume 2
Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54 (1984)
Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85 (2009)
Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA257 (1994)
Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348 (1999)
Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268 (1996)
Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511 (2005)