The Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") has designated areas in Norfolk that are subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year as "areas of special flood hazards." As a result, the City has created Floodplain/Coastal Hazard Overlay Districts ("FPCHOs") to regulate construction in these areas of special flood hazards. Regulations within such districts are intended to reduce the loss of property and life, the creation of health and safety hazards, the disruption of commerce and governmental services, the extraordinary and unnecessary expenditure of public funds for flood protection and relief, and the impairment of the tax base.

Location:
Granby Municipal Building, 400 Granby Street, Department of Planning and Community Development, Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact: 
Bureau of Zoning Services
Telephone: (757) 664-6502
Facsimile: (757) 664-6899
email: leslie.garrett@norfolk.gov

Requirements:

• A completed building permit application

Procedure:

• Staff will determine whether the existing or proposed structure(s) are located in a Floodplain/Coastal Hazard District.
• If so, the building permit application is reviewed to ensure that the proposed project is in compliance with the provisions of Section 11-3, Floodplain/Coastal Hazard Overlay District, City of Norfolk Zoning Ordinance, 1992 and with all other applicable codes and ordinances, including, but not limited to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, City of Norfolk Subdivision Regulations, and all applicable state and federal laws.

Other:
Certification of compliance is also required during construction of the project. Final "as built" surveys, prepared by a registered professional surveyor, architect or engineer, indicating final elevations of the lowest floor, HVAC equipment, electrical equipment, plumbing equipment, floors of attached garages used for parking or vehicles, storage or access into the unit, and flood proofing are required for review by a building inspector.

No temporary or permanent Certificate of Occupancy may be issued for new construction or substantial improvement until such "as built" plans and drawings have been submitted, reviewed and approved as in compliance with Section 11-3 of the Zoning Ordinance and the applicable section in the Virginia Statewide Building Code.