Frequently Asked Questions

Floodplains serve many useful purposes, and those that are preserved in their natural state provide a wide range of benefits. For example, floodplains and primary swash areas hold, filter, convey, and disperse flood waters. Without the preservation of these natural floodplains, flood waters would inundate developed areas.
Floodplains serve as natural drainage basins and provide flood storage for stormwater runoff in their immediate area. They also provide a valuable service by filtering impurities from runoff.

Most flooding in the City of Rockledge is caused by ponding rain that is deposited by severe storms, such as tropical storms and hurricanes. Occasionally, heavy rains will cause localized flooding.

The National Weather Service issues public warnings concerning expected floods and storms. Local television and radio stations provide local weather information and advisories, such as warnings for flash floods, heavy rains, tropical storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
A hurricane watch indicates that a hurricane poses a possible threat within 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. You should prepare to take action, up to and including evacuation.

The City of Rockledge requires that all new residential structures in the regulatory floodplain be elevated one foot above the base flood elevation (BFE). It may be possible to retrofit existing structures that are not above the BFE by incorporating various flood-proofing measures.
Flood-proofing measures include:

• Check with a plumber regarding a valve to prevent sewer backups
• Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber handy for emergencies
• Make sure that nearby drainage ditches are clear of debris and functioning properly

If you know that flooding is probable, move valuable contents upstairs or to a safe location.
Debris in drainage ditches, streams, and pipes can cause localized flooding when it rains. It is unlawful for any person to throw or deposit any refuse, trash, or debris in any drainage ditch, stream or body of water. In order to prevent localized flooding outside of special flood hazard areas, city code requires the minimum finished floor elevation for new residential construction to be at least 18 inches above the highest crown of any abutting street.

Maps of the 100-year and 500-year floodplains within the City of Rockledge are available for review in the Building Department, located in the City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane.
The Building Official is available to assist you with maps and flood plain information and provide advice on retrofitting techniques for structures in the floodplain. Current and past flood insurance rate maps (FIRM), reference materials, and pamphlets are available at the Brevard County Library.

The city's land development regulations regulate portions of the city as being within the 100-year floodplain. In other words, there is a one percent chance of flooding in any given year. The zoning ordinances and building codes have special provisions regulating construction and other development within those floodplains.
Before you build, fill, or otherwise develop in a floodplain, contact the Building Department to discuss city regulations. All development in the regulatory floodplain requires an elevation certificate after construction. The elevation certificate is produced by your certified land surveyor and must be turned in to the Building Department prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Copies of elevation certificates that have been submitted in the past are available for review in the Building Department during regular business hours. Any development within the floodplain without a permit is illegal.

A permit issued by the Building Department is required to make any repairs to flood-damaged buildings. Buildings with damage equal to or exceeding 50% of the building's valuation must be brought into full compliance with the floodplain regulations.
The ordinances also require that all substantial improvements or additions to a building be treated as a new building. A substantial improvement is when the value of an addition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction project exceeds 50% of the value of the existing building. In the case of an addition, only the addition must be protected. In the case of an improvement to the original building, the entire building must be protected.
The requirements of the ordinances and building codes are minimum standards that all development must meet. To increase the safety of your property and reduce insurance premiums, you should consider building to higher standards. Of course, the safest way to develop your property is to locate improvements outside of the flood plain.

Residents of hazard areas can take the following actions to decrease the risk of injury due to flooding:

• Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know that the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated
• Do not drive through flooded areas and do not drive around road barriers. Roads or bridges may be washed out
• Do not walk through flowing water
• In standing water, use a pole or stick to determine depth
• Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and drains
• Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be covered with debris, including glass and nails. Floors and stairs that are covered with mud can be very slippery
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report downed power lines to the power company
• Turn off all electrical circuits at the panel or disconnect all electrical appliances
• Watch for animals, including snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours

If you have questions about whether or not you need flood insurance, consider the following:

• Any walled and roofed building in an National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating community is eligible, whether or not the building is located in a floodplain.
• Flooding is not covered by a standard homeowner's insurance policy.
• Flood insurance is available in the City of Rockledge due to the city's participation in the NFIP.
• Maintaining a flood insurance policy is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and reduce the cost of flood disasters.
• There is a 30-day waiting period after a policy is purchased before coverage goes into effect. However, if a new or renewal policy is required by a lender as a condition for obtaining a mortgage, then the coverage takes effect at closing.