Flood zone rules in Surfside Beach, SC

FEMA publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps through its Flood Map Service Center. [FEMA Flood Map Service Center] (opens in a new tab)

The town directs property owners to search the FEMA maps by address. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

The Planning, Building and Zoning Department determines whether a town property sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

The Planning, Building and Zoning Department keeps elevation certificates for town properties. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

The department provides copies of available elevation certificates. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

The department also provides copies of Flood Insurance Rate Maps and flood map determinations. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

New residential and nonresidential construction in an AE zone must place the lowest floor at least three feet above base flood elevation. [Surfside Beach Code Chapter 14] (opens in a new tab)

Enclosures below the lowest floor are allowed only in AE zones and may serve only parking, building access, or limited storage. [Surfside Beach Code Chapter 14] (opens in a new tab)

An allowed enclosure below base flood elevation may not exceed 290 square feet. [Surfside Beach Code Chapter 14] (opens in a new tab)

The town prohibits enclosures below the required elevation in VE and Coastal A zones. [Surfside Beach Code Chapter 14] (opens in a new tab)

The Community Rating System gives participating communities flood insurance discounts based on qualifying activities. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

Surfside Beach is a CRS Class 7 community. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)

The town states that local flood insurance premiums receive a 15 percent discount. [Surfside Beach floodplain information] (opens in a new tab)