Local Floodplain Administration

Floodplain regulation and management is important to our community in order to diminish loss of life and repetitive property damage from flooding. Although not a common occurrence, much of Carmel and Clay Township have previously experienced significant flooding. Carmel’s Building Commissioner is the Floodplain Administrator for the City and unincorporated Clay Township.

If you would like assistance with a floodplain issue, or have questions about Carmel’s floodplain management program, you may call Building and Code Services daily between the hours of 8:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., 317-571-2444.

Helpful Floodplain Information

1. The Indiana Legislature per IC 14-28-3 has granted the regulatory power to local units of government to control land use within their jurisdictions in order to decrease flood damages and promote public health, safety and welfare.
   
   • Carmel’s Floodplain Ordinance is Chapter 10, Article 5 of the Carmel City Code.
2. The City relies on the Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to guide flood plain management decisions. Copies of these maps may be viewed at City Hall during regular office hours.
   • The Federal Insurance Rate Maps or FIRMs are generated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to identify the location of flood hazard areas. FEMA’s website has an area where property owners can find the firm map that contains their property.
   • FEMA’s Flood Map Store
3. State Permit Requirements. While the city can issue building permits for construction within floodplain areas, a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also required for any building activity or earth moving work in the floodway. Visit the DNR website to gain understanding of DNR’s permit process.
4. Hamilton County’s interactive GIS map has a viewable Flood Zones 2014 layer when you click on the “green/white Layer List" icon, and this map shows the approximate flood zone locations in the county, in reference to parcels of land.

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