If a property is located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (flood zone AE, A, or VE on the Flood Insurance Rate Map) the property is subject to floodplain development regulations, which are found in the County Unified Development Ordinance. Without these regulations, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) would not be available to property owners in Currituck County.
New Structures
Before starting development on any lot, tract or parcel, the owner or developer must first contact Planning & Inspections Department to determine what permits will be required.
All new construction requires 2 feet of freeboard in addition to the National Flood Insurance Program base flood elevation.
The lowest floor joist and all associated ductwork and equipment servicing the structure must be elevated to one foot above the designated base flood elevation (BFE).
Existing Structures
Regulations also exist for improving, reconstructing or repairing a structure. If repair, reconstruction, or improvement costs equal or exceed 50% of the pre-damage market value of a structure, it is considered substantially damaged.
The property owner is required to flood proof or elevate the structure to or above 2 feet above base flood elevation.
Technical Bulletins
Technical Bulletins provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
New bulletins, as well as updates of existing bulletins, are issued periodically as needed. The bulletins do not create regulations, rather they provide specific guidance for complying with the minimum requirements of existing NFIP regulations.
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Technical Bulletin 0 (PDF)
User’s Guide to Technical Bulletins
January 2021The Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued 11 Technical Bulletins that provide guidance on interpreting, enforcing, and complying with the minimum building performance requirements in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations (Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 59 and 60).
Technical Bulletins are intend for use by State, local officials and design professions, design professionals (e.g., architects, engineers), contractors, building owners and operators, planners, and other interested stakeholders to help understand and comply with National Flood Insurance Program NFIP floodplain management requirements. -
Technical Bulletin 1 (PDF)
Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures
March 2020Explains the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for flood openings in foundation walls and walls of enclosures below elevated buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) that are designated as Zone A (A, AE, A1-30, AH, and AO) on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). -
Technical Bulletin 2 (PDF)
Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements
January 2025Provides current guidance by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on what constitute “materials resistant to flood damage” and how and when these materials must be used to improve a building’s ability to withstand flooding. -
Technical Bulletin 3 (PDF)
Non-Residential Floodproofing – Requirements & Certification
January 2021Describes design, construction, and planning requirements for the floodproofing of non-residential buildings under the ‘National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations and how to correctly complete the National Flood Insurance Program’s Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures form. -
Technical Bulletin 4 (PDF)
Elevator Installation
June 2019Provides guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations concerning the installation of elevators below the Base Flood Elevation in Special Flood Hazard Areas (both A and V zones).
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Technical Bulletin 5 (PDF)
Free-of-Obstruction Requirements
March 2020Provides guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations concerning obstructions to flood waters below elevated buildings and on building sites in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and V1-V30).
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Technical Bulletin 6 (PDF)
Below-Grade Parking Requirements
January 2021Purpose of the bulletin is to provide technical guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) floodplain management requirements for below-grade parking garages for nonresidential buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAS) shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
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Technical Bulletin 7 (PDF)
Wet Floodproofing Requirements
May 2022Describes planning, design, and construction requirements for wet floodproofing certain types of structures and their uses under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
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Technical Bulletin 8 (PDF)
Corrosion Protection of Metal Connectors in Coastal Areas
August 2019Explains the importance of using corrosion-resistant metal connectors and fasteners in the construction of coastal structures, areas using preservative-treated lumber, and any locations subject to contact with floodwater or windblown rain.
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Technical Bulletin 9 (PDF)
Design & Construction Guidance for Breakaway Walls Below Elevated Coastal Buildings
September 2021Provides guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program regulations concerning the design and construction of breakaway walls beneath elevated buildings in Coastal High Hazard Areas (Zones V, VE, and VI-V30).
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Technical Bulletin 10 (PDF)
Ensuring that Structures Built on Fill In or Near Special Flood Hazard Areas are Reasonably Safe From Flooding
March 2023Discusses building techniques, including the use of fill, that can be used to ensure structures are reasonably safe from flooding.
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Technical Bulletin 11 (PDF)
Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas
November 2021Provides interim guidance on minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements as well as best practices for crawlspace construction in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
