What is a regulatory floodway

A regulatory floodway is a specific area within a floodplain designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It serves a critical purpose in flood management. Here's a breakdown of what it is and why it's important:

Function:

• The regulatory floodway is essentially the channel of a river or stream, along with adjacent land areas, that must be kept free of obstructions.
• Its primary purpose is to ensure the floodwater from a base flood (1% annual chance flood) can flow freely without causing significant increases in flood heights.

Why it's important:

• By keeping the floodway clear, floodwaters can pass through with minimal rise in water levels. This helps to:
  • Protect communities located further upstream from experiencing even higher floodwaters.
  • Reduce the overall flood hazard in the area.

Regulations:

• Communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are required to regulate development within regulatory floodways. This typically involves restrictions on:
  • Construction of buildings or structures
  • Placement of fill material
  • Any action that could impede floodwater flow

Impact on property owners:

• If your property falls within a designated regulatory floodway, there may be limitations on what you can build or modify on your land.
• It's important to consult with your local floodplain administrator or building department before undertaking any construction projects to ensure compliance with regulations.

Here are some resources for further information:

• FEMA Floodway Definition: FEMA Floodway
• Lee County Regulatory Floodways: Lee County Regulatory Floodways [invalid URL removed]