Construction projects in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) have special requirements. To determine if your project is in the floodplain, use the floodplain map.
You must submit flood protection documents with all zoning or building permit applications for construction in the SFHA. Refer to the code bulletin for development in special flood hazard areas and L&I guide for development in the floodplain.
If the cost for a project is $50,000 or more, you must attend a flood protection scoping meeting before submitting your building permit application. See the information sheet about the mandatory scoping meeting for more information.
Who
Any property owner or their authorized agent may request approval. Authorized agents include:
- Design professionals.
- Attorneys.
- Contractors.
- Licensed expediters.
How
To find out, enter the property’s address into the floodplain map.
You can submit your application and documents online using eCLIPSE or in-person at the Permit and License Center.
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Request FEMA map revisions
In order for FEMA to revise a flood hazard map, the City must sign a Community Acknowledgement Form. To request the City’s signature:
- Complete the FEMA’s Community Acknowledgement Form.
- Complete the Letter of Map Change form.
- Request to schedule a Flood Protection Scoping meeting with the Development Services Unit.
- After the project meeting, submit the Preliminary Project Review application and complete the Floodplain Protection Project Review request form.
The City reviews MT-1 and MT-2 applications. The City does not review other types of FEMA map changes.
Request Community Consistency for PA DEP permit applications
To request a Letter of Consistency sign-off for Floodplain Development from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, in association with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) Chapters 105 & 106 permits and approvals, you must:
- Complete an associated PA DEP Chapter 105 or 106 permit application.
- Request to schedule a Flood Protection Scoping meeting with the Development Services Unit.
- After the project meeting, submit the Preliminary Project Review application and complete the Floodplain Protection Project Review request form.