The purpose of this page is to define structure, a commonly used term in floodplain management.
Definition/Description
For floodplain management purposes, a structure is a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. The terms "structure" and "building" are interchangeable in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Residential and non-residential structures are treated differently. A residential building built in a floodplain must be elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Non-residential buildings may be elevated or floodproofed.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Requirement
- 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
- (a) (4) - Subdivision Review
- (b) (3) - BFE Data Requirement
Other Applicable NFIP Regulations
- (a) (1) - Development Permit
- (a) (3) - Reasonably Safe From Flooding
- (c) (2) - A Zone Residential Buildings
- (c) (3) - A Zone Nonresidential Buildings
- (c) (7) - Zone AO Residential Buildings
- (c) (8) - Zone AO Residential Buildings
- (e) (4) - V Zone Structures
Guidance
- IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (page 5-28)
Related Keywords
- Accessory Structures
- Addition
- Basement
- Development
- Elevation
- Floodproofing
- Lowest Floor
- Manufactured (Mobile) Home
- Permit for Floodplain Development
- Substantial Improvement
Supplemental Information for Structure
"Structure" for insurance coverage purposes, means a walled and roofed building, other than a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground and affixed to a permanent site, as well as a manufactured home on a permanent foundation. For the latter purpose, the term includes a building while in the course of construction, alteration, or repair, but does not include building materials or supplies intended for use in such construction, alteration or repair, unless such materials or supplies are within an enclosed building on the premises.