A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development proposed in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) shown on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map for Milford, NH. The term “development” includes new or improved structures, placement of fill, excavation, storage of materials, and other activities defined in the Milford Floodplain Management Ordinance. All development that occurs in the SFHA must be in compliance with this ordinance to protect lives and property from future flood damages.
1. Determine if proposed work will be within the floodplain or not:
a. Use FEMA Map Service Center to find the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
i. Email townengineer@milford.nh.gov for help if needed.
b. If all work will be above the BFE, it is not considered to be within the floodplain and no permit is needed.
i. A survey or existing site plans can be used to determine existing ground elevations relative to known
benchmarks or structure elevations.
benchmarks or structure elevations.
c. If there is no BFE listed email townengineer@milford.nh.gov for assistance.
2. If proposed work includes rehabilitation of an existing development/house in the floodplain, the Building Inspector
will need to determine if the proposed work includes greater than 50% of the assessed value of the structure.
will need to determine if the proposed work includes greater than 50% of the assessed value of the structure.
a. If the proposed work (of one or multiple projects over multiple years) > 50% of the assessed value then a
Floodplain Development Permit is needed and all existing and proposed development will need to meet
current standards for development in a floodplain.
Floodplain Development Permit is needed and all existing and proposed development will need to meet
current standards for development in a floodplain.
Notes:
1. Work that doesn’t require a building permit may still require a Floodplain Development Permit.
2. All work within a floodplain requires a permit to track the cumulative effects of multiple projects.
3. A Floodplain Development Permit Application does not have a cost associated with it so filling it out if you are
unsure about whether it is required for your project is ok. It will be evaluated to ensure that the work is in the
floodplain.
unsure about whether it is required for your project is ok. It will be evaluated to ensure that the work is in the
floodplain.
The Town follows the minimum requirements set by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but insurance companies may have additional requirements, standards, or incentives, so it is best to also check with your insurance company prior to design and construction if the work will be insured.
Work that would be subject to review under this permit includes but is not limited to:
- Residential and commercial developments
- New structures including residences, commercial buildings, outbuildings, or sheds
- Demolition of existing structure
- Replacement or relocation of existing structure
- Addition or alteration of existing structure
- Clearing of trees or vegetation
- Connection to public utilities or services
- Drainage improvements (including culvert work)
- Dredging
- Drilling
- Fence or wall construction
- Excavation
- Grading
- Mining
- Paving
- Placement of fill material
- Roadway or bridge construction
- Watercourse alteration
A Floodplain Development Permit Application does not have a cost associated with it but is intended to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum standards. As stated in Zoning Ordinance 6.03, the purpose of these regulations is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; minimize hazards to persons and property from flooding; to protect watercourses from encroachment; and to maintain the capability of floodplains to retain and carry off floodwaters.
For assistance in determining if you need a Floodplain Development Permit for a proposed project, please see the information on the Town website at the following link, or email townengineer@milford.nh.gov.
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