FEMA along with the State of North Carolina has 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 proposing the adoption of a flood damage prevention ordinance, that will maintain a minimum building elevation standard. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed and considered by the Town of Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners in the coming months.
Know Your Flood Zone Meetings and Events Timeline
Click here to view the Town’s timeline for meetings and events pertaining to the adoption of the 2020 flood maps and proposed damage prevention ordinance.
