Chapter 8 › VIII–IX Environmental Requirements; Facility Located in or Impacting a Floodplain

What extra rules apply when we rebuild in a floodplain or wetland?

FEMA term

Floodplain management and wetland protection; 8-step decision-making process

Short answer

FEMA must avoid floodplains and wetlands when practicable alternatives exist, using its 8-step decision process for projects over $18,000. New construction is barred in coastal high hazard areas and floodways, and critical facilities must consider the 500-year floodplain.

What FEMA requires

Alternatives considered: no action, other locations, and other actions including natural features. Projects stay in the floodplain only if no viable alternative exists.
Critical actions (such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, hazardous materials, emergency services) use the 0.2 percent (500-year) floodplain; others use the 1 percent (100-year) floodplain.
Substantially damaged or improved structures in coastal high hazard areas must be elevated on open foundations and anchored.
Wetland work needs Corps permits; failing to get them can lead to denial or deobligation.
Floodplain ordinance upgrades in NFIP communities are eligible if the ordinance meets the code criteria and the work is disaster-related; repair is capped at replacement cost except for historic facilities.
Hydrologic and hydraulic studies are eligible when needed, such as for altered culverts or bridges in flood hazard areas.

Documentation

Floodplain maps, permits, any H&H study by a licensed engineer, and the alternatives analysis.

Watch out · Govstar practitioner advice

Flag floodplain sites at the start. The 8-step review and any H&H study take time, and starting work first can cost the funding.

Govstar summarizes FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide in plain language and links to the official text. Govstar is independent and not affiliated with FEMA. This is general guidance, not legal advice.