Floodplain Management

Both a STATE & LOCAL floodplain permit is required for all construction activity in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or that area inundated by the 1% annual chance of a flood. These SFHAs are designated as A, AE, A1-A30, AH or AO Zones on the FIRMs (Flood Insurance Rate Maps). This includes new or substantially improved residential and non-residential (commercial) structures and bridges, as well as excavation and fill. It is important to contact the Floodplain Coordinator before beginning any development to ensure compliance with state and local ordinances. Please contact Jeff Cochran at (606) 789-2550 before beginning any development within Johnson County.

KY Stream Construction Application.pdf
Johnson County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.pdf

The flood hazard areas of Johnson County are subject to periodic inundation which result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base, all which adversely affect the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents.

These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in floodplains causing increased flood height and velocity, and by the location in flood hazard areas of uses vulnerable to floods or hazardous to other lands which are inadequately elevated, flood-proofed, or otherwise protected from flood damage.