Prospective landowners, developers, surveyors, realtors, appraisers: If you are buying, selling, appraising, building, planning or developing property in Lincoln County and you have a noticable waterway or ditch on or near to your site, or need to verify the location of your property relative to FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, call Geographic Information / Floodplain Administration at 605-764-0101 or Planning and Zoning at 605-764-2938 for assistance.

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The Lincoln County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance has been updated to provide reasonably safe protection for all new projects within the county. All developments of 5 acres or 50 lots, whichever is less, are required to acquire a floodplain development permit and may also be required to complete the MT-2 Letter of Map Revision. New structure lowest floor elevations (including basement) , are required to be at least 1ft above base flood elevation (BFE).  New construction within 100ft of distance or 8 ft of elevation whichever comes first, of a special flood hazard area will comply with a maximum 5 ft below BFE  lowest floor, and minimum 1 ft above BFE lowest opening, elevation requirement, as referenced in FEMA Technical Bulletin 10-01.

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The new Lincoln County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurannce Study (FIS) became effective April 2, 2008. The updated digital format flood boundaries and elevations are part of FEMA Map Modernization. The changes update the previous FIRM maps dated Oct 1, 1986. Increased accuracy and accessibility of the new maps facilitate managed growth and assist lenders and agents to offer the appropriate protection for their home and business.

       Following the April 2, 2008 effective date, all mortgages from federally regulated lenders are being reviewed using the new FIRM. Properties and structures located within zones A or AE (high risk) shown on the new map may be required to have flood insurance. The FIRM coupled with the structure lowest elevation determines the rates for flood insurance policies. Individual lenders are responsible for notification when insurance is to be required.
        Many variables affect the final insurance premium determination. The structure location relative to the previous FIRM and built in compliance with regulations at time of construction may qualify an owner for reduced rates or removal from insurance requirements under the "Grandfathering" rule.  It is also possible a structure located in a high risk zone can be proven to be above the base flood elevation and thereby exempted from insurance requirements through FEMA process. An Elevation Certificate (EC) is generally required to be completed and submitted to FEMA together with an application for a Letter of Map Ammendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for approval. An eLOMA (electronic) or  EZ format may also be used. This process does not gaurantee approval, may take some time, and involves the services of a surveyor or engineer. 

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Lincoln County is a National Flood Insurance Program participant. Flood insurance is available throughout the county. Flood insurance is recommended for any property affected by flooding. If you experience flooding, contact your insurance provider. For more information on flooding and flood insurance visit  www.fema.gov and www.floodsmart.gov

For information on specific properties contact the Lincoln County Floodplain Administrator, Jon Peters, at 764-0101 or  gis@lincolncountysd.org