Flood Information
FEMA has issued a list of valid Letters Of Map Change (LOMC) for Montgomery County. Any LOMCs that have been submitted or issued that are not on this list are invalid and must be resubmitted. Failure to do so may impact flood insurance availability and rates for County citizens.
Click here to see valid Letters of Map Change.
If you feel that your property's flood zone designation is incorrect, you may request a Map Amendment from FEMA.
You must obtain a permit before building, grading or placing fill in a floodplain. These forms must be downloaded and opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Adobe Acrobat Reader Download
Digital Forms
Floodplain Development Permit Application
No-Rise Certification Form
FEMA No-Rise Certification Guidance for Floodways
FEMA Elevation Certificate Form
Montgomery County FEMA Elevation Certificate Requirements
FEMA Non-Residential Floodproofing Form
General Flood Information
The May 2010 flood resulted in over $36 million dollars in damages in Montgomery County. This estimate does not include damages to infrastructures like roads, government facilities, and parks. It is important for Montgomery County citizens to understand the effects flooding may have on their lives and property, what can be done to reduce flood damage and how they can prepare for flood events.
Areas within the Cumberland River floodplain and in low-lying areas adjacent to streams and drainages are most vulnerable to flooding. Flooding can also occur in areas away from waterways during extreme weather events. Sinkholes and other geologic features that are commonly used for stormwater runoff storage and disposal may flood when significant rain events overwhelm the handling capacity of these features.
While late winter and spring are the most vulnerable times for flooding, experience shows that flooding can occur any time of the year.
Montgomery County Government is involved in an ongoing collaborative effort with Federal and State agencies to do everything possible to lessen the adverse impacts of flooding. This includes:
- The adoption of FEMA Floodplain Management regulations by Montgomery County, TN. Commission as part of The Clarksville-Montgomery County Subdivision Regulations
- The development of policies and procedures that regulate Stormwater drainage faculties to efficiently control Stormwater runoff.
- The development of a Disaster Response Plan by the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency, which is designed to protect the lives of County citizens from the effects of natural disasters.
- The distribution of public information on flood protection, which includes the information on this web page.
Flood Insurance
If you live in Montgomery County, flood insurance is available even if your property is not in a FEMA-designated flood area. People are sometimes told that flood insurance is not available for their property, leaving them financially vulnerable when a flood occurs.
If your property has been flooded in the past, or if you believe that flood insurance is appropriate for your specific situation, contact a flood insurance specialist, or go to the FEMA FloodSmart Insurance Program website.
Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Montgomery County
You should check the flood hazard on property that you own or may purchase. Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available at the Montgomery County Building and Codes Department offices and may be viewed by appointment. You can also obtain flood and flood zone information by visiting the US Government's FloodSmart website.
Montgomery County Flood Insurance Study
A Flood Insurance Study (FIS) is a compilation of the flood risk data for a community. The FIS serves as the basis for rating flood insurance and carrying out floodplain management measures.
Montgomery County Floodplain Building Permit Policy
Building permits for areas prone to flooding are required to meet specific standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These standards are intended to reduce the amount of damage sustained during a flood event.
Building permits for properties in or adjacent to areas subject to flooding or that are near streams will be issued subject to the following requirements:
- If a property is in or adjacent to a designated floodplain or is adjacent to a stream, building permits cannot be issued until a review is conducted to determine the FEMA/County construction requirements for that structure.
- The crawlspace or basement floor elevation of occupied structures within a floodplain must be one foot above the 100-year flood elevation. All mechanical, electrical, etc. equipment must also be above this elevation.
- All flood elevation certificate elevations are subject to verification.
These requirements are in addition to the requirements listed in the Zoning Resolution of Montgomery County Tennessee, Article IV, Section 17.
Montgomery County Zoning Resolution Flood Zone Structure Requirements
A copy of the Zoning Resolution of Montgomery County can be found online at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission.
Being Prepared for a Flood
The best preparation for any emergency is to plan ahead and make sure you are ready. Listed below are a few suggestions to help you get started preparing for a flood emergency.
- If safe to do so, turn off the electricity, gas and water services before leaving your home or place of business prior to evacuation.
- If you are a newcomer to the area, find out if you live or work in a flood-prone area. Talk with your neighbors, especially those living in Montgomery County during the 1975 and 2010 floods. Always remember that the next flood could be larger than previous floods.
- Buy Flood Insurance. Flood damage is not normally covered under a homeowner's policy. Contact an insurance agent about your eligibility for flood insurance offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Don't wait until the last minute -- there is usually a 30-day waiting period before the policy is effective.
- Develop an evacuation plan. Learn the safest route from your home, farm or business to high, secure ground. Remember, low-lying bridges or roads can be swept away or covered by flood waters. Establish a safe meeting place on high ground for all family members in case you are separated. Never attempt to drive through standing water.
- Stock up on non-perishable food and store drinking water in containers. Keep a flashlight, battery-operated radio, and plenty of extra batteries on hand. Make sure you have easy access to warm clothing, rain gear and any medicine you may need. Remember, electric power will probably be out during a flood.
- Be sure you have a first-aid kit and know how to use it. Heart attacks and injuries are more likely during a flood. Get CPR and First Aid training if you can.
- Make an itemized list of personal property, including valuables, furnishings, and clothing. Photograph your home inside and out. Keep your list, photos, and any insurance policies in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box, outside the floodplain.
More Flood-Related Information