Floodplain Management

Updated Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance

On March 19, 2019, the Faulkner County Quorum Court passed an updated Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance in response to FEMA’s updated special flood hazard maps for parts of the county. These updates included revisions to 10 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) along the Cadron Watershed.

You can access the updated ordinance, Flood Damage Prevention Code, and FEMA’s flood maps on our website under the Flood Information link.

For any questions, please contact our office at 501-450-4935.

Faulkner County & the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Faulkner County has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since 1991. The NFIP helps reduce flood damage by working with more than 20,000 communities nationwide that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances.

Benefits of NFIP Participation:

✔ Access to Federally-Backed Flood Insurance – Available to homeowners, renters, and business owners.
✔ Lower Flood Damage Costs – Nearly $1 billion is saved annually through sound floodplain management and insurance coverage.
✔ Reduced Risk for Residents & Property – Proactive floodplain management lessens the impact of flood events.

Floodplain Development Permitting

As a participant in NFIP, Faulkner County OEM/911 is responsible for permitting development in special flood hazard areas as outlined in the Flood Damage Prevention Code.

• What is Considered Development?
  Development refers to any man-made change to land, including construction, excavation, or other modifications.

• Why is Floodplain Permitting Important?
  • Reduces risk to residents and property in flood-prone areas.
  • Helps developers qualify for lower flood insurance premiums.

How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit:

📌 Complete the Floodplain Development Application below and return it to our office.
📌 Need assistance? Keith Hillman is available to guide you through the process—contact our office for help.

🔗 Floodplain Development Permit Application

Floodplain Resources & Important Links

📍 Find Your Flood Zone

• Search FEMA’s Floodplain Maps: Floodplain Map Search
• View Floodplain Areas on Faulkner County’s Interactive Map: Faulkner County GIS Map

📑 Permit & Certification Forms:

• 🔗 2023 Elevation Certificate and Instructions   (Save and open in Adobe)
• 🔗 Building Diagrams 2011
• 🔗 Building Diagrams 2020
• 🔗 Dry floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures
• 🔗 Residential Basement Floodproofing Certificate
• 🔗 Engineering No-Rise Certificate Form

📜 Floodplain Regulations & Preparedness:

• 🔗 Flood Damage Prevention Code
• 🔗 Floodplain Ordinance 19-06
• 🔗 Who Needs Flood Insurance?
• 🔗 Flood Preparedness
• 🔗 Flood Facts

📦 Sandbag Distribution for Flooding Emergencies

Our office provides free sandbags year-round to Faulkner County residents facing flooding threats. These sandbags are strictly for flood prevention, such as blocking entry points to your home (doors, windows, etc.).

⚠ Important Guidelines:

• Limited Supply: Please take only what is necessary to protect your home. We cannot supply enough sandbags to surround entire homes or properties.
• Pickup Location: Sandbags are available during business hours at 57 Acklin Gap Rd, Conway, AR, behind our building.
• City Residents: If you live within city limits, please check with your local city office for sandbag availability.

We appreciate your cooperation in using sandbags responsibly to ensure that supplies remain available for those in need.

🌊 Lake Conway Water Levels
To monitor the Lake Conway water level at the gauge located on the North side of the Hwy 89 bridge, click below:
🔗 Check Lake Conway Water Level

🌍 Additional Resources:

🔗 FEMA’s Estimated Base Flood Elevation Viewer

🔗 Floodplain Management – Arkansas Department of Agriculture