Floodplain Management

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Floodplain Management

Floodplain management is a community program that focuses on preventive and corrective measures to reduce risk of current and future flooding, resulting in a more resilient community. These measures, such as stormwater system management, building requirements, and floodplain ordinances, diminish flood damages and protect the natural function of floodplains.

Importance of Floodplains

Floodplains are the low, flat lands adjacent to streams, rivers, and lakes that flood frequently. They are considered part of a healthy stream and are designed to hold in flood waters, as well as support a variety of natural resources and provide natural flood and erosion control.

Flooding History & Programs

Major flood events have occurred across the nation for many years and, even with preparation, can cause significant damages. During the 1960s, concerns of methods of dealing with floods and flood damage initiated the passing of the National Flood Insurance Act (1968). Through this act, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created to provide financial aid for homeowners after flood events and stricter development regulations to avoid damage to newly constructed structures and natural floodways.

Communities started participating in the NFIP and as part of this program, another program was formed – Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum requirements of the NFIP. The main goals of the CRS include:

Reduce flood damage to insurable property
Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management

Participation in this program increases the maximum amount of flood insurance coverage and establishes a grant program for communities for mitigation plans and projects.

In 1994, the Waterford subdivision experienced heavy floods. In 1999, the North Griffin Detention Pond was finished to protect these homes from future flooding.

Another benefit from community participation in this program are discounted rates for flood insurance premiums. These rates reflect the reduced flood risk that the community has put in place. Communities are divided into 10 classes based upon the number of credit pointes earned through different activates, such as public information, mapping, regulations, flood damage reduction, and flood preparedness. The City of Griffin is a Class 6 and homeowners who are in the FEMA 100-Year Floodplain are eligible for a 20% discount on their flood insurance premium. Homeowners who are not in the FEMA 100-Year Floodplain and want to purchase flood insurance are eligible for a 10% discount on their flood insurance premium.

Elevation Certificates
101 Coldwater Ln
105 Coldwater Ln
107 Coldwater Ln
111 Coldwater Ln
113 Coldwater Ln
117 Coldwater Ln
119 Coldwater Ln
893 Crescent Ln
254 N 15th St
1543 Hwy 16 W
1545 Hwy 16 W
1547 Hwy 16 W
1549 Hwy 16 W
346 Wynterhall Dr

Mapping Information

City of Griffin Floodplain Map (PDF to download)

If you would like to see the FEMA 100-Year Floodplain for the City of Griffin, please see the Floodplain Map.If you would like more information on floodplain areas near you or in general, please contact the City of Griffin Watershed Management Department.

City of Griffin Floodplain KML/KMZ File for Google Users
Georgia Map Program: http://georgiadfirm.com

Outreach Projects

Below are general outreach projects and brochures created to assist with activities before, during, and after flood events.