The Floodplain is the land area that is expected to flood. In this case, floodplain specifically refers to the Special Flood Hazard Area, which is the land area covered by floodwaters during the base flood (also known as the 100 year or 1% flood).
Doddridge County's floodplain covers 5,680 acres with approximately 1,368 home. The Doddridge County Floodplain Manager is the principal community administrator in the daily implementation of Doddridge County's flood loss reduction activities including enforcing the community's flood damage prevention ordinance (Floodplain Ordinance), updating flood maps, plans, and policies of the community, and any of the activities related to administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
In accordance with the Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance, a permit is required before any development is done of real property in the floodplain. Development is any man-made change to improved or unimproved real property, including but not limited to buildings or other structure, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, oil/gas well sites, pipelines, pads, pits, retention ponds or storage of equipment or materials.
If you live near a creek or stream and want to know if you are in the floodplain or if you are planning on any development please get with our office to verify if you are in the floodplain and we will help you fill out the proper paperwork. We will work with you to keep you in compliance.
Keeping the Floodplain Clear
A Message from The Doddridge County Floodplain Managers Office
The Floodplain refers to the Special Flood Hazard Area, which is the land area covered by floodwaters during the base flood (also known as the 100 year flood or area having a 1% chance of flooding annually). Doddridge County's floodplain has a total of 1964 parcels of land covering 9,484.92 acres. In accordance with the Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance, a permit is required before any development is done of real property in the floodplain. Development is any man-made change to improved or unimproved real property, including but not limited to buildings or other structure, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, oil/gas well sites, pipelines, pads, pits, retention ponds or storage of equipment or materials.
If you own property and/or live near a creek or stream it is of vital importance that you keep this area clear of stored material or any debris that might float due to rising flood waters. This material may float downstream and cause a jam in the creek or stream which could cause flooding to the surrounding properties. The community plays a critical role in preventing potential flooding by reducing the hazards in and around their home and property. The Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance states:
ARTICLE VI – SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Section 6.1 Design and Construction Standards: In order to prevent excessive damage to buildings, structures, and related utilities and facilities, the following restrictions apply to all development, subdivision proposals, manufactured home parks, new construction and to construction of substantial improvements, and the repair of substantial damage, to existing structures occurring in the Floodplain Area.
I. Storage
1. No materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive, or in times of flooding could be injurious to human, animal or plant life, shall be stored below Base Flood Elevation except for mineral storage properly and wholly within the ground in compliance with other State environmental agency(ies) requirements.
2. Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not subject to substantial damage by floods and firmly anchored to prevent flotation or readily removable from the area within the time available after flood warning.
3. Due to the potential of masking the natural elevation and making it more difficult to enforce this Ordinance, material that resembles “fill” material shall not be considered “storage” material for purposes of this subsection.
Those who live within the floodplain who do not keep their properties clear of debris and trash could be in violation of the Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance leading to fines and other penalties. They can also be subject to fines and penalties from laws related to the WV Division of Highways, the WV Department of Environmental Protection and the WV Department of Natural Resources. If you are not sure if your property lies within the Special Flood Hazard Area you can call the Doddridge County Floodplain Managers Office at (304)873-1343 or you can go online to the WV Flood Tool at http://www.mapwv.gov/flood/ .