Flood Plain Management

Flood Hazard Areas

The flood hazard areas of the city are subject to periodic inundation that results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, and extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare.

Flood Loss Causes

These flood losses are created by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains which cause an increase in flood heights and velocities, and by the occupancy of flood hazard areas by uses vulnerable to floods and hazardous to other lands because they are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage.

Construction Requirements

Chapter 38 of the City Code and applicable sections and appendixes of the International Building Code deal with floodplain management and apply to all construction done in Clear Lake Shores. BFE (Base Flood Elevation) should be determined by the FEMA FLOOD MAP  and no new construction is allowed below this flood elevation that does not meet all applicable codes.  All construction below BFE must be flood resistant and be used for parking, access to the building, and light storage only. 

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