Floodplains

Bank Requested Flood Insurance

  • Banks and mortgage lenders may require flood insurance for structures in high risk areas
  • A high risk area has a 1-percent chance of flooding in a given year (also called the base flood, or 100-year flood)
  • Hanover's online maps shows floodplains
  • Select floodplains from the layers tab and search by street address
  • If you feel your home is improperly shown in a 100-year floodplain complete the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) process to make a determination
  • The FEMA maps for Hanover County include links to properties that have already completed the LOMA determination
Floodplain Wetlands

Development in a Floodplain

Any development in a floodplain is subject to the requirements of FEMA and Hanover County Ordinance Chapter 12 Section 17. Click here for assistance on using Hanover County Municode.

Wetlands on Your Property

  • You can usually do nothing to wetlands on your property. Wetlands are best left alone in their natural state, however sometimes residents may need to access wetlands to fix a drainage issue or remove a tree
  • Maintenance may be accomplished as long as no live vegetation is removed
  • An exception would be to remove a tree that may fall and cause harm to human life and property
  • In no case are stumps allowed to be removed and heavy equipment (bulldozer, etc) to be used without a permit
  • Wetlands promote water quality by creating a habitat for plants and wildlife that absorb nutrients from stormwater runoff such as nitrogen and phosphorus
  • These nutrients can be harmful to fish and aquatic life in creeks, streams and rivers
  • Please consult the Department of Public Works with questions about wetlands