Floodplain

Overview

The floodplain is a nationally directed program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program is divided into three parts: regulation, assistance, and education. For property owners to receive federal floodplain insurance the Town of Ashland must adopt local regulations and administer the program according to FEMA review.

If you need any additional information regarding the floodplain, please contact the planning department at planning@ashlandva.gov or (804) 798-1073.

FEMA FIRM Updates

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Town of Ashland which may impact your property. Previously updated In 2008, the maps show the projected flood risk to properties, as well as areas that are subject to potential flooding. Some properties will be mapped into the Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain), also known as the high-risk flood zone; some properties are already in the 100-year floodplain and will remain there; and some properties may be mapped out of the 100-year floodplain.

Once the maps are finalized by FEMA, they will be used to determine your property's flood risk as well as flood insurance rates and requirements.The opportunity to submit appeals to the Preliminary FIRMs related to discrepancies in the flood hazard area has begun and will continue through June 13th, 2023. Appeals, supported by engineering data, may be submitted to the Town and then forwarded to FEMA for review.

You can view the preliminary FIRMs (map numbers include 51085C0170C, 51085C0188C, 51085C0189C, 51085C0190C, 51085C0301C, and 51085C0302C) on FEMA's website: https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Ashland Planning Department at (804) 798-1073 or planning@ashlandva.gov

Local Administration

The floodplain map and regulations govern activity within the floodplain. Any development, as defined below, will need to be permitted within the floodplain. This may require a floodplain permit, elevation certificate, and/or site plan application, to be completed.

Development: Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

On October 1, 2022, the Town of Ashland was accepted into FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS) program at a Class 8 rating. This classification allows residents to possibly receive a 10% discount on the premium cost of their floodplain insurance.

How do I know if my property or building is within the floodplain?

Go to FEMA's mapping website and type in your address or contact Town Hall.

How do I remove my property or building from the floodplain?

Go to FEMA's website and review the documents for a Letter of Map Change or Amendment (LOMC or LOMA). These applications will need to be completed by a surveyor or engineer. If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall.

When do I need a floodplain permit?

Any type of development in the floodplain, regardless of whether or not a building permit is needed, requires a floodplain permit. This includes, but is not limited to, new buildings, additions, accessory structures, fences, grading, excavating, clearing, or filling. For more information, please contact the Town or review the floodplain permit application.

When was the floodplain map created in Ashland?

The floodplain map or Floodplain Rate Insurance Map (FIRM) was updated in 2008 from the original 1981 study.

Contact us for an on-site review.
If you would like a staff member to meet you on-site to review floodplain, drainage, and safety concerns contact planning@ashlandva.gov.

Flood Safety Flyer

Flood information for realtors, insurance agents, and homebuyers.

-For more information on FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program go to: https://www.floodsmart.gov/

- Check Before You Buy!

- What to Ask Your Insurance Agent

- Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting (Six Ways to Protect Your Home From Flooding)

- Flood Preparation and Safety (English)

- Flood Preparation and Safety - (Spanish)

- Build Back Safer and Stronger (English)

- Build Back Safer and Stronger (Spanish)

-List of recorded Elevation Certificates (To view elevation certificates please call 798-1073)

- Elevated Residential Structures