Floodplain

Floodplain Management

Floodplain Management assists customers in meeting the requirements of the Town of Surfside Beach's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The Planning, Building and Zoning Department is the contact for all the flood information for the Town, including Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), Elevation Certificates (ECs) and Flood Insurance Studies.

This office is also responsible for the Community Rating System (CRS) information. CRS is a voluntary program, which, based on activities performed by the community determines a discount from 5% to 40% on flood insurance rates. Currently, the Town of Surfside Beach is a CRS Class 5 and we receive a 25% discount on our local flood insurance premiums. The town engages in many activities that could lead to a lower CRS classification in the future.

The following information can be obtained from the Planning, Building and Zoning Department:

  • Flood Map Determinations and an explanation of your risk to flooding
  • Copies of Elevation Certificates (ECs)
  • Copies of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs)
  • Requirements for Construction in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) - Including the Town's Coastal "A" Zone
  • Substantial/Improvements Damage Determinations (See Substantial Improvement/Damage Forms [PDF])

Please contact the Director of Planning, Building and Zoning at 843-913-6341 for more information.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hosts an excellent resource for the southeast's river forecast. By interacting with their map, you can check current and predicted water levels for many regions within Horry County. View Real-Time Gage Information.

Need Help?

The Planning, Building, and Zoning Department can provide flood information services for all properties within the town limits. Items our office can specifically help with are:

  • FIRM Map Information - We can help you determine if properties are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
  • Historical Flood Information - We have information on specific areas in town that have had repetitive flooding and can provide you with information specifically for property located within the repetitive flood areas.
  • Natural/Protected Floodplain Areas - We can provide you with information if a property is located within or near a natural or protected floodplain area and what the potential impact could be to the surrounding area.
  • Elevation Certificates/Letter of Map Amendments/Letter of Map Revisions - We have copies of these that are available to view and provide copies. We also provide assistance in preparing paperwork for submission for Letter of Map Amendments/Revisions to FEMA.
  • Coastal Flood Exposure Mapper: this tool from NOAA shows the people, places, and natural resources exposed to coastal flooding.

The Town of Surfside Beach is concerned about flooding and provides these services to help protect property and citizens. Please look over the information and contact us if we can be of any help.

View floodplain information for your property from the FEMA Map Service Center by Searching By Address. Need assistance? We're here to help! Contact our office at 843-913-6341.

Outreach

Do you have a professional, civic, or neighborhood group that wants to learn more about flood risks in your area and what you can do to lower your personal and community risk? The town is fortunate to have two certified floodplain managers that will speak with your group on a wide variety of topics dealing with floodplain issues.