Floodplain Management

Floodplain Development Permit

The Clinton County Planning and Zoning office reviews applications as they are submitted.  Applications do not require a hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Permits for areas within the Mississippi River and Wapsi River flood plains may also require approval by the Flood Plain Division of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Corps of Engineers.

The Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) may be viewed at the Planning and Zoning Office or are available from the FEMA Map Service Center.

What is Development?

Development includes any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or any other structures, mining, filling, grading, paving, excavating or drilling operations.

Why they are required?

• to minimize flood losses and restrict uses that are hazards to safety or property
• to protect individuals from buying land unsuitable for its intended purpose due to flood potential
• to ensure eligibility for flood insurance (based on Federal guidelines)

Required Information for Floodplain Development Application

• indication of the use and occupancy for which the proposed work is intended
• the legal description of the property
• elevation of the 100-year flood established by a registered land surveyor
• elevation of the lowest floor of the building
• an estimate of the cost of improvement

FEMA Flood Insurance Information

• Who's at Risk for Flooding
• Myths & Facts about Flood Insurance
• Your Homeowner Insurance Doesn't Cover Floods
• Benefits of Flood Insurance vs. Disaster Assistance
• Things You Should Know About Flood Insurance
• Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program
• Flood: Are You Protected From the Next Disaster?
• Top Ten Facts about Flood Insurance
• Emergency Preparedness Checklist
• Nothing Could Dampen the Joy of Home Ownership
• What You Need to Know About Federal Disaster Assistance & National Flood Insurance
• Returning Home After a Flood
• Coping with a Flood - Before, During & After

A lengthy manual with "Answers to Questions about the National Flood Insurance Program" is also available.