Floodplain Permits and Forms

When is a Floodplain Development Permit Required?

If you plan on building in a designated floodplain or floodway in Delta County, you must have a Floodplain Development Permit. This requirement applies to any construction or activity that changes the land’s basic character, use, or topography. Examples include (but are not limited to):

Building or substantially improving a structure
Mining
Filling
Excavation
Drilling operations

You must submit a Floodplain Permit Application and Application Checklist, even if you do not need flood insurance. Doing so ensures compliance with FEMA regulations and continued eligibility for flood insurance.

Septic Permit Requirements

If you plan to develop in a designated floodplain and will need a septic system, you also must obtain the necessary permits from the Delta County Environmental Health Division. It is your responsibility to secure this determination before installing any septic system.

Delta County Land Use Code & Floodplain Regulations

Floodplain Regulations are included as an annex to the Delta County Land Use Code.

These documents outline specific rules and requirements for developments in flood-prone areas.

Fees & Certificates

Floodplain Application Fee: $250.00
FEMA Elevation Certificate: Required once a permit has been issued and construction is complete. A Registered Professional Engineer or Registered Surveyor must certify the elevation of the structure and confirm adequate floodproofing measures.

If a Map Amendment (such as a Letter of Map Amendment, or LOMA) is needed, the property owner will be responsible for filing the request with FEMA.

For more information, please refer to the National Flood Insurance Program materials and the FEMA Map Center if you need to order official maps.

Determining Flood Zone Status

To find out if a property lies within a flood zone:

Use the Delta County Interactive Map and add the FEMA Floodplain Map Layer via the LEGEND folder (select “FEMA Flood Hazard Areas”).
Visit the Delta County Planning Department to review the FEMA maps in person.
Contact the FEMA Map Center to order official maps, if needed.

Staying informed and following the proper guidelines for Floodplain Development Permits ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations—protecting people, property, and the environment.

FEMA Elevation Certificate

Once a permit has been issued and construction has been completed, a certification of elevation is required. A Registered Professional Engineer or Registered Surveyor must certify the elevations of a structure and certify that the development is adequately floodproofed. If a Map Amendment is needed, the property owner will need to complete a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) request. Obtain more information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published maps designating floodplains, floodways, and insurance rate zones for the National Floodplain Insurance Program. Visit the FEMA floodplain insurance program website for details.

If you are interested in determining if a property is within a flood zone, the Delta County Interactive Map has a FEMA Floodplain Map Layer that can be added to the base map by selecting the LEGEND folder and then selecting the “FEMA Flood Hazard areas." You may also come to the Delta County Planning Department or the GIS Office to research and view the FEMA maps to make a flood zone determination. Maps may also be ordered by contacting the FEMA Map Center.