Floodplain Development Permits and Elevation Certificates

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When do I need a Floodplain Development Permit  and / or an Elevation Certificate from Knox County?

Knox County requires that a Floodplain Development Permit be obtained if the proposed development is in the 500-year flood level. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) requires new buildings’ minimum floor elevation (MFE) to be built above the 100-year flood level. Knox County provides additional protection from potential flooding by requiring new buildings’ minimum floor elevation (MFE) to be one foot (1’) above the 500-year flood level.  An Elevation Certificate is also required by the Knox County Stormwater Management Department for any development within the 500-year flood level, as part of our National Flood Insurance Program participation.

To find your community’s FEMA flood map, click here.

Knox County enforces a no-fill area that is half the distance between the floodway line and the 100-year floodplain line. Developers should be aware of this restriction as it can severely impact the proposed development of a property. 

A registered land surveyor or engineer is responsible for completing and sending the Elevation Certificate to the Knox County Stormwater Management Department.  The staff drainage engineer reviews and revises or approves this certificate. The Knox County Codes Enforcement Department conducts in-progress inspections of the development and upon final inspection, can issue a Certificate of Occupancy. The Certificate of Occupancy can only be issued once the Knox County Stormwater Management Department has approved the Elevation Certificate.