Floodplain Development Review

Floodplain Development Review Required
for ALL projects in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

Ready to renovate, install, or construct?

Properties or parcels located entirely or partially in A, AE, or VE flood zones, are located in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Floodplain Development Review ensures projects in the SFHA are compliant to the Chatham County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (FDPO). Questions about proposed projects and SFHA, can be directed to the Floodplain Office by calling 912-652-7800. Applications for projects are available through the project specific links at the bottom of this page. For projects requiring a building permit, the floodplain review and approval process is required before obtaining a building permit.

Has your home been damaged?

If your home suffers damage from any source (a hurricane, fire, etc) and repairs require a building permit, then floodplain review and approval is required before obtaining a building permit. Once the floodplain application is reviewed and approved, then the stamped plans can be taken to the Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services (912-201-4300).

Is your Floodplain Development Review application packet complete?

Incomplete floodplain application packets will not be accepted. Floodplain Development Review (FDR) application links are provided below. Applications are project specific with document checklists and fee amount. Prevent delay of your review and ensure that your FDR application packet is complete.

As of August 22, 2025, the following fees are required for Floodplain Development Review. Each application provides two (2) reviews; additional reviews require additional fees.

A $450.00 fee is required for review of large projects including:

  • Commercial structures
  • New homes and substantial improvements
  • Large accessory structures

A $150.00 fee is required for review of small projects including:

  • Residential renovations and additions
  • Pools and pool decks
  • Small accessory structures
  • Fill and mitigation (not connected to any other project)
  • Flood studies (prior approval required)

What if we are building a home and installing a pool?

If the project is multi-faceted, then multiple applications are required. For instance, if you are building a home and installing a pool, then a NEW HOME AND SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT application packet is due along with a POOL & POOL DECK application packet along with a check or money order for $600 made payable to Chatham County. Completed FDR application packets should be submitted (in person or by mail) to the ATTN: Floodplain Administrator, Chatham County Administrative Building, 124 Bull Street, Suite 430, Savannah, Georgia, 31401.

Did you start work before going through the Floodplain Development Review?

If you did, then stop work and submit Floodplain Development Review application(s) now. Failure to apply for a Floodplain Development Review indicates violation(s) to the FDPO and will result in a Stop Work Order (SWO) or Notice of Violation (NOV). Prevent a SWO / NOV and double fees by ensuring that your project team and/or contractor have received Floodplain Development Review approval PRIOR to commencing work.