FEMA/Flood Plain Ordinance and Information

The City of Eagleville participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a participant of the NFIP, the city must adhere to FEMA requirements for construction within Special Hazard Flood Zones whether it be new construction or construction for repairs after damage done to the structure.  The key words are "substantial" improvement and "substatial" damage.  

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT in a Special Flood Hazard Area (or areas known to flood)
For existing buildings proposed to be remodeled, renovated, rehabilitated, added to, or in any way improved, proposed modifications or additions must be evaluated by City staff to determine whether they constitute a “substantial improvement”. If the total costs of improvement are equal to or exceed 50% of the market value of the existing structure before any improvements, the building must come into compliance with the NFIP standards. “Total costs” mean all structural costs, as well as labor, all finished materials, built-in appliances, and hardware, in addition to profit and overhead.  Land and exterior improvements, such as accessory structures, landscaping, paving, fencing, etc., are excluded.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE in a Special Flood Hazard Area (or areas known to flood)
Damaged residential buildings must elevate their lowest floor to one foot above the base (100-year) flood elevation if damaged by any cause for which repair costs are equal to or exceed 50% of the market value of the existing structure before any damages occurred. The cause of damage could be flood, fire, earthquake, wind or manmade. This applies to all Residential and non-Residential buildings located in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area(SFHA), regardless of whether the building has flood insurance coverage. Owners of non-residential buildings have the option of raising their lowest floor or providing flood proofing. The costs to repair must be calculated for full repair to “before-damage” condition, even if the owner elects to do less. The total costs of repair must include both structural and finished material and labor.

Helpful Links:

• City of Eagleville Floodplain Ordinance
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Information on Flood Insurance
• Tennessee Flood Insurance
• Tennessee Floodplane Quick Quide
• Elevation Certificate Guidance
• Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference