Flood Mitigation Efforts
Improvements can be made to existing structures to help reduce or eliminate flood damage risks. These improvements include:
- Elevating the structure above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). This may reduce flood insurance cost.
- Elevating utilities such as:
- electrical outlets
- breaker or fuse bases
- water heaters
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment
- and fuel tanks.
- Installing openings or louvered vents in flood-prone areas below Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to allow floodwaters to flow through freely.
- Installing sewer backflow valves to prevent sewage backup.
- Store valuables and insurance papers up high in a waterproof container.
- Convert or eliminate non-compliant ground floor living space.
- Know the local stormwater regulations.
Contact Planning and Community Development staff for:
- a list of licensed contractors and consultants who are knowledgeable about flood retrofitting techniques and construction,
- information on available grant funding from qualifying elevation projects,
- recommendations from a site visit on ways to reduce flood damages to your property.

Elevated Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning HVAC system.

Flood vent.