FEMA along with the State of North Carolina and have released updated flood maps for all of Dare County. Flood maps serve as the cornerstone for floodplain management. The updated maps are scheduled to be effective on June 19, 2020.  

The updated maps feature significant changes from the 2006 flood maps. A large number of properties in Kill Devil Hills are being reclassified to Shaded X or X “low risk” flood zone properties and the base flood elevations are decreasing. FEMA defines the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) as the computed elevation to which the flood is anticipated to rise during the base flood. 

The new maps DO NOT reflect flood risk and the historic flooding in the Town of Kill Devil Hills. Many of the reclassified properties have historically experienced flooding.

In recognition of these changes and the challenges that the new maps present, the Town of Kill Devil Hills and the other municipalities in Dare County are considering the adoption of development standards that will maintain a minimum building elevation standard. These proposed standards will be reviewed and considered by the Town of Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners in the coming months. 

Check back here for a posted timeline of meetings and events.