Floodplain
To obtain a discount, the Stormwater Division must maintain an inventory of various documents and help the public by providing guidance and resources.
Columbus Ga has many waterways including large creeks such as Bull Creek or the main waterway the tributaries drain into the Chattahoochee River which have been prone to floods in the past. To see if your property is at a higher risk of flooding and potentially in a Special Flood Hazard area enter your address in this link http://publicaccess.columbusga.org/maps/mapadv.aspx
When using the website be sure to click the icon with stacked maps named “Map Contents” to enable the Flood Plane layer, if more guidance is needed, please call 706-225-4441 an we will be happy to assist you.
It is highly recommended to check your insurance coverage, standard home insurance does not cover flood damage, and all federally backed mortgages are required to have flood insurance. Luckily Columbus Consolidated Government participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, and as a result, Citizens of Muscogee County enjoy a 10% discount on their flood insurance policies due to our current Class 8 rating. Check out https://www.floodsmart.gov/ for more information on coverage such as the difference between structural and contents coverage and benefits of joining the NFIP. Keep in mind there is a 30-day waiting period for coverage once you join the NFIP so don’t wait until it is too late.
When a flood event occurs be sure to familiarize yourself with your building’s/areas evacuation routes and your local shelters. Please ask us for repetitive loss area maps and we will be happy to provide them to you to know areas of the most concern as well.
When evacuating please follow these steps. (Check with emergency management, noaa weather
- Gather emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water. Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Store at least a 3-day supply.
- Listen to your local radio or television station for updates.
- Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot).
- Store immunization records in a waterproof container.
- Bring in outdoor items (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely.
- If evacuation appears necessary, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
- Leave areas subject to flooding such as low spots, canyons, washes, etc. (Remember: avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water.)
For detailed information regarding home renovation please use this link to FEMAs “Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting”
please contact the Inspections and Code Department at 706-653-4126 to figure out what steps you need to take along with other pertinent information. If you do notice development, you believe to be unlawful please call 311 to report it so we may investigate the location. Please keep in mind that if your structure has significant improvements or damages worth 50% of the property value you will be required to modify the structure to get it into full compliance with our building codes including 2 feet of free board. Improvements over a 5-year period are tracked and accumulated towards the 50% goal as well as additions being considered new construction. All development in the Flood Zones so many sure you contact Inspections and Codes to acquire a permit. View the Municode Ordinance for Flood Damage Prevention for more detailed information.
It is essential that both CCG and its citizen practice responsible stewardship in order to protect natural floodplain functions. The state of Ga and CCG have laws to protect stream buffers along all state waters. 50 feet on both sides of the waters is protected and may not be disturbed or built in. These areas are vital for maintaining the integrity of the banks by allowing the natural vegetation to stabilize the soils along with enhancing water infiltration to reduce peak flows from flood events. Along drinking reservoirs this buffer is increased to 100 feet. Residents who violate this stream buffer will be subject to citations starting with violation of stream buffer and potentially other ordinance violations. Contact the Engineering department for further information which we will be able to provide maps of your property or residence. Please view our Environmental Protection Ordinance for more information.
In our community we have wetlands, these are key habitats for several protected species. Ensuring their natural habitats are not disturbed please check to see if any wetlands are located on your property using the National Wetlands Inventory.
If you are interested in knowing real time time water height data please visit this USGS website https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?02341460 or use Ga Powers Dynamic River and Lake Level Tools at https://www.georgiapower.com/community/environment/lakes-rivers/river-levels.html