Flood Control Zone District

Building in a Floodplain

Building in a Floodplain

In February 1981, Chelan County joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Joining NFIP means residents are able to purchase flood insurance, a requirement of mortgages or home equity loans for property located within the floodplain. Residents are also able to buy, sell and build on property within the floodplain.

In addition, by joining NFIP, the county became eligible to receive disaster assistance from FEMA after a presidentially declared disaster. Since 1972, the county has had 26 Presidential Disaster Declarations related to floods, severe storms and wildfires, which can cause post-fire flooding.

As an NFIP member, the county also agreed to enforce federal regulations concerning development within a special flood hazard area shown on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The areas are referred to as the 100-year floodplain.

Local jurisdictions such as Chelan County must issue permits for all development in its flood-prone areas. This ensures that development is regulated so property damage is limited and property owners do not adversely impact other property owners by their actions. Chelan County Code Chapter 3.20 regulates the use and development of property within flood hazard areas in the unincorporated areas.

A Floodplain Development Permit is required prior to beginning any development within the 100-year flood. Development includes any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, digging, grading, filling, paving, drilling, mining, storing equipment or materials, or construction.

Common activities that may require a permit include:

The construction or addition of small storage sheds

Excavation or infill

Construction of some fences

Enclosing an open-sided structure

Cutting down trees to make room for future development

Landscaping activities, such as building of retaining walls or raised beds

Installation of propane tanks

Prior to beginning any development, landowners must apply for a Floodplain Development Permit from Chelan County Community Development.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Floodplain Development Permit

Posted: 03/03/2016 09:19 AM
Last Updated: 07/12/2019 04:34 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 19
    Mar 2025
    01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner -March 19,2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person at 400 Douglas St.
  • 17
    Mar 2025
    11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Veterans Hall Blood Drive March 17

    Posted by: Veterans Program

    Veterans Hall Blood Drive March 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Wenatchee Veterans Hall
  • 12
    Mar 2025
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on March 12, 2025. (Notice Time Change)

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 05
    Mar 2025
    09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - March 5, 2025

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zoom
  • 01
    Mar 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - March 1, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is March 1.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
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