Construction in a Floodplain

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Building Requirements

The Village of Estero enforces strict building regulations to protect residents, property, and the community from flood hazards while preserving the natural functions of local floodplains. These standards are designed to reduce flood damage, ensure community resilience, and help property owners qualify for lower flood insurance premiums.

Building Above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

Constructing new buildings or substantially improving existing structures above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is one of the most effective ways to reduce flood risk.

The Village of Estero requires that all new construction and substantial improvements be built at least one (1) foot above the BFE.

Building even higher can further reduce flood risk and may result in additional flood insurance discounts through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Before designing or submitting building plans, contact the Floodplain Management Department to confirm the Base Flood Elevation and Design Flood Elevation for your property.

đź“ž Floodplain Management Department: (239) 221-5036

Pre-Application Meetings

Property owners, builders, and developers are encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Floodplain Management Department.
During this meeting, staff can provide information on:

  • Applicable floodplain development standards
  • Elevation and construction requirements for your project
  • Permit and documentation procedures
  • Additional compliance measures under the Village’s Floodplain Management Ordinance

These meetings help ensure your project complies with all applicable regulations before design and construction begin.

Floodproofing Options

Floodproofing is another method of reducing flood damage for structures located in flood-prone areas. Common techniques include:

  • Building flood barriers, such as levees or walls, to keep water from entering the structure
  • Elevating or relocating the building to a higher elevation
  • Sealing the building to make it watertight

Whenever possible, property owners are strongly encouraged to build or retrofit structures above the Base Flood Elevation to reduce flood risk and protect against property loss.

Contact Information

For more information about floodplain management requirements, floodproofing options, or building elevation standards, please contact:

Village of Estero Floodplain Management Department
9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle
Estero, FL 33928

đź“ž (239) 221-5036

Build Responsibly

Responsible development protects your property, your neighbors, and the Village’s natural floodplain systems.

Before purchasing property, beginning construction, or making home improvements in the Village of Estero, review the following steps to ensure your project meets local, state, and federal floodplain management requirements.

Know Your Flood Risk

Understand your property’s flood risk before buying or building.

Review FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and contact the Village of Estero Floodplain Management Department to determine whether your property is located in a flood zone.

Determine Your Base Flood and Design Flood Elevations

Contact the Floodplain Management Department to confirm the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and Design Flood Elevation (DFE) for your property before finalizing design plans.

These elevations determine the minimum height at which a building must be constructed to reduce flood risk.

Identify Required Permits

Check with the Building Department to identify what permits are required for your project.

Different types of work—such as new construction, substantial improvements, grading, or drainage—may require separate permits.

Hire a Licensed Contractor

After a disaster, always use a licensed and insured contractor to ensure safe, code-compliant repairs.

  • Verify the license with your state or building department.
  • Get written estimates from several contractors and check references
  • Use a detailed contract outlining costs, timeline, and scope of work
  • Avoid scams: don’t pay large upfront fees, and be wary of anyone pressuring you to sign quickly or skip permits.
  • Confirm permits are issued before work begins, and keep all records and photos for insurance purposes.

Plan for Proper Drainage

Proper site grading and drainage are essential to prevent standing water and protect your property and neighboring lots from flooding.

Incorporate adequate stormwater management measures into your design.

Understand the Substantial Damage, Substantial Improvement, and 50% Rules

If the cost to improve or repair a structure equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, the structure must be brought into full compliance with current floodplain development regulations.

These rules apply to both Substantial Improvement (renovation or addition) and Substantial Damage (repairs following a flood, fire, or other event).

Obtain an Elevation Certificate

An Elevation Certificate, prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer, is required to:

  • Accurately determine your property’s flood risk
  • Verify compliance with floodplain standards
  • Properly rate your flood insurance policy
  • Apply for a Letter of Map Amendment or Map Revision (if applicable)

If you believe your property’s elevation or flood zone designation on FEMA maps is incorrect, you may apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) or Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).

These official FEMA documents can correct mapping errors and potentially lower flood insurance costs.

Resources

FEMA Guides