Permit Requirements
Columbia County’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires that all construction, additions, conversations and/or development located in areas of special flood hazard comply with certain minimum standards intended to minimize damage from floods. For example, there are restrictions on the placement of fill material in areas of special flood hazard. Houses and other structures are required to be built three feet above the 100-year base flood elevation (BFE).
Columbia County also requires building permits be obtained from the Columbia County Building Standards Department prior to construction. All building permits are reviewed to determine if a property is encroached upon by the Special Flood Hazard Area. If a structure is determined to be within the Special Flood Hazard Area, an elevation certificate will be required to ensure compliance with the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance has been achieved. Columbia County must receive an elevation certificate for final construction prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Columbia County retains paper copies of all elevation certificates that have been submitted.
To obtain a copy of any elevation certificate on the list contact the Stormwater Compliance Department at 706-447-7645.