In Wake Forest, Floodplain Development is regulated through the Floodplain and Flood Damage Prevention Standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
Floods larger than those considered by the ordinance will occur on rare occasions. Land outside of the SFHA is never free from flooding or flood damages, and actual flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes.
UDO
The UDO defines “development” as any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to, buildings or other structures, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials. In general, no new development is allowed in the SFHA of the Town of Wake Forest and ETJ unless certain exemptions are met. The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) encompasses the 100-year floodplain and the floodway. To find out if your property is in the SFHA, visit the Know Your Flood Hazard resources.
Floodplain Development Permit
Improvements to your existing home in the SFHA requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Depending on the cost of your renovation, you may need to bring your entire home into compliance with current floodplain regulations if it isn't already. Refer to the Know Your Flood Hazard page for resources on how to bring your home into compliance, and contact the Engineering department to discuss the proposed construction.
Any development in the SFHA requires a Floodplain Development Permit at a local level and may require further permitting from State and Federal levels. Before initiating any development, demolition or improvements within or adjacent to the SFHA, consult the Town of Wake Forest Engineering Department to determine if a Floodplain Development Permit is necessary.