Flood Damage Control


The Building Department follows Flood Damage Control guidelines specified by FEMA and GEMA and in accordance with Glynn County Zoning Ordinances. For more information, call the Building Department at 912 554.7456.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Your homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover losses due to flooding. Glynn County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program which makes flood insurance available to everyone in the County. This is a government policy, and the Federal Government writes the policy and sets the rates. For many people, their home and its contents represent their greatest investment. The cost of the policy depends on your flood zone. Renters living in a flood zone can also insure their possessions. Please note that there is a 30-day waiting period from the time a flood insurance policy is purchased to the time of its effective date. More information about flood insurance can be obtained from your insurance agent.

JUST BECAUSE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS HAS NOT FLOODED IN THE PAST DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE SAFE.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES

Retrofitting involves modifications to the building, such as:

  • elevating it so that floodwater does not enter or reach damageable portions
  • constructing barriers between the building and floodwater
  • dry floodproofing to make the building walls and floor watertight,
  • wet flood proofing to modify the structure and relocate the contents to avoid floodwater damage
  • preventing basement flooding from sewer backup or sump pump failure

Emergency measures include moving belongings upstairs and sandbagging. More information about floodproofing or retrofitting your home is available at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library on Gloucester Street, the St. Simons Library in the Casino Building, or the Building Department.

FLOODPLAIN BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Always check with the Building Department before you build on or alter your property. All development in the floodplain, not just the construction of new buildings, requires a permit. Illegal development can obstruct the floodplain and create an unsafe situation.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT

If your home or business is located in the floodplain, the National Flood Insurance Program requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvements equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, the building must meet the same construction requirements of a new building. The Building Department maintains improvement information for the life of the building. It is important to call before you make any alterations to your home or business.

ELEVATION CERTIFICATES

If your home or business is located in the floodplain, you must provide an elevation certificate to obtain a building permit. This certificate provides the necessary information to ensure structure compliance with the County’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Glynn County retains all elevation certificates on file.

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