Floodplain Development

Did you know that nearly 20% of land inside Sturgis is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area?  Because of the risk of flooding, the City of Sturgis participates in the National Flood Hazard Insurance Program (NFIP).  By participating in the NFIP, the City agrees to manage all new development and improvements within the floodplain.  This means federally-backed flood insurance is available to everyone.  Flood damage can be costly and is not covered under most homeowner’s insurance policies.  It is important to understand your flood risk and take steps to insure against potential financial loss. Talk to your insurance agent for more information or call the Planning and Permitting Department at 605-347-4422 ext. 3.

Floodplain Development Permits

Floodplain development permits are required to be obtained for any work done within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This includes, but is not limited to, placement of fill, grading, remodeling of existing structures, new housing construction, placement of any storage sheds, and fences.  This permit is in addition to any building permit (no extra fee).  Need a permit? APPLY HERE

Even if a building permit is not needed, a floodplain development permit is REQUIRED for ANY work located in a SFHA.

Floodway

Absolutely no work can be done inside a Regulatory Floodway without a No-Rise Certificate. The floodway is denoted as the striped portion on the National Flood Hazard Map.  The City of Sturgis must regulate development in these floodways to ensure that there are no increases in upstream flood elevations.  Please contact the City Engineer at 605-347-4422 ext. 224 for more information.

Additional Resources:

View the Sturgis FIRM Panels (effective 9/16/2011)

View FEMA's National Flood Hazard Map for Sturgis

Official FEMA Map Service Center

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program

Sturgis Stormwater Design Criteria applies even to small grading projects.