FAQs • Pierce County, WA • CivicEngage

Why do I need a flood study/flood boundary delineation survey?: Mainly for protection of life and property. Pierce County has many areas where there is a potential for flooding. Most of the flood prone areas in the County have been studied, and have a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for a 1% chance flood (commonly called the 100-year flood) established. A flood boundary delineation survey is a topographical map, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, showing the limits of the BFE and any floodways that may be on the parcel so Development Engineering and the Building Department can set the requirements for your project in accordance with Title 18E.70. If a Base Flood Elevation is not established for the site, a flood study from a licensed civil engineer may also be required.

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PPW Development Center - Flood

1. Why do I need a flood study/flood boundary delineation survey?: Mainly for protection of life and property. Pierce County has many areas where there is a potential for flooding. Most of the flood prone areas in the County have been studied, and have a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for a 1% chance flood (commonly called the 100-year flood) established. A flood boundary delineation survey is a topographical map, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, showing the limits of the BFE and any floodways that may be on the parcel so Development Engineering and the Building Department can set the requirements for your project in accordance with Title 18E.70. If a Base Flood Elevation is not established for the site, a flood study from a licensed civil engineer may also be required.

2. I think there is a floodplain on my property; I understand there might be regulations limiting what I want to do. How do I find out more?: Floodplain information is available at the Development Center at the Pierce County Annex (2401 South 35th Street, Tacoma, WA, 98409-7490).