Madison County currently participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program that enables property owners to purchase insurance against losses from flooding.  In 1990, the NFIP implemented the Community Rating System (CRS) as a voluntary incentive program that recognizes community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP regulations.  

The information below highlights some of the information, services, and data available to interested parties regarding floods, flood insurance, and floodplain management in Madison County.

Please use this link to access the Madison County Online/Interactive Flood Map Tool. In addition, hard copies of all FIRMs and FIS documents are located in the office of the Madison County Public Works.  

• FEMA Map Service Center - Please visit FEMA Map Service Center to view Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flood Insurance Rate Studies, FIRMettes, Letters of Map Change, and other flood-related documents.  

• Community Rating System - The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.  As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:
  • Reduce flood damage to insurable property
  • Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP
  • Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

Madison County is currently a member of the CRS program which provides a 5% reduction in flood insurance premiums to policy holders in the unincorporated areas of Madison County. Please visit the following link for information regarding the Community Rating System (CRS).

• Map Amendments and Revisions (LOMA/LOMR) - The current effective FIRMs can be revised and amended through FEMA. The most common way for a homeowner to obtain a map amendment or revision is a LOMA or LOMR. The County cannot issue LOMAs or LOMRs. Please visit the following link to view FEMA's Online Letter of Map Change.

• Flood Zones - Flood zones are geographic areas that the FEMA has defined according to varying levels of flood risk. These zones are depicted on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or flood Hazard Boundary Map. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area.  Common flood zone designations in our area are X, Shaded X, A, AE, and AO. Click here for FEMA’s website defining these zones.

• Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance - The Madison County Commission has adopted the Madison County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (FDPO) to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions.  A Floodplain development permit must be acquired before any work can be performed in a designated floodplain. Please click here for a Floodplain Development Permit Application

• Elevation Certificates - Madison County's building permit file must have an official record that shows new buildings and substantial improvements in all identified Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are properly elevated.  This elevation information is needed to show compliance with the floodplain management ordinance.  Madison County requires the use the FEMA Elevation Certificate.  Click here for a link to the FEMA Elevation Certificate.  For a list of properties that have a current elevation certificate on file at the Public Works Department click here. Copies may be obtained by email or in person.

• Real Time Streamflow Data - This link provides real-time stream gauge data as well as information for flood stages for rivers and streams in our area.

• Floodplain Administrator - Madison County Public Works serves as the Floodplain Administrator for the unincorporated areas of Madison County. The following floodplain management services are provided:

1. Provide basic information found on a FIRM that is needed to accurately rate a flood insurance policy.
2. Provide basic information that is not needed for insurance rating, including information about floodways.
3. Provide information regarding Special Flood Hazard Areas and requirements for development within a SFHA.

For More Information

Please see the documents below for additional information related to floods, flooding, flood insurance, and flood maps:

• After Flood Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Flood Insurance Q&A for Real Estate Professionals (PDF)
• Top Ten Facts for Consumers (PDF)
• Flood Insurance 101 (PDF)
• General Information Regarding Flood Maps (PDF)