Flood Risk Management

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A floodplain is an area of low-lying land next to a stream or river that is susceptible to flooding. Floodplains are beneficial to our overall ecosystem—water quality is improved through the wetlands’ ability to filter nutrients and impurities from runoff and process organic wastes. Gwinnett County has approximately 24,000 acres of floodplain. Our Floodplain Management Ordinance prohibits construction within the floodplain. A home built on a floodplain lot is required to be elevated three feet above the 100-year Base Flood Elevation.

The National Weather Service, along with the Gwinnett County Emergency Management Agency, provides flood warning and evacuation information to local radio and television stations. Gwinnett County Police and Fire Departments will provide door to door warnings to those areas threatened by flooding. When there is a threat of flooding, evacuations are ordered in at-risk areas. Residents must be prepared to move to a place of safety.

Visit the Gwinnett Flood Information Portal to find specific information about flooding sources in your area. 

For information on existing elevation certificates for some residential properties, visit the Department of Planning and Development.

Homeowner Tips

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Before you commit yourself to buying property:
  • Check your flood hazard. Flood maps and flood protection references are available at all Gwinnett County Public Libraries.
  • Visit the Department of Planning and Development’s Storm/Water/Sewer Plan Review page to see if you are in a mapped floodplain. It can give you information on the depth of flooding over a building's first floor and past flood problems in the area.
  • Ask the real estate agent if the property is in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards, such as sewer backup or subsidence.
  • Ask the seller and the neighbors if the property is in a floodplain, how long they have lived there, if the property has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards.
  • If requested, Storm/Water/Sewer Plan Review staff will visit a property to review its flood problem and explain ways to mitigate the effects of flood damage. To make this request and get more information, call the Department of Planning and Development at 678.518.6000.

Flood Protection and Insurance

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Flood Protection: A building can be protected from some flood hazards, sometimes at a relatively low cost. New buildings and additions can be elevated above flood levels. Existing buildings can be protected from shallow floodwaters by re-grading, berms, or floodwalls. There are also other retrofitting techniques that can protect a building from surface or subsurface water.

Flood Insurance: Homeowners insurance policies do not include coverage for a flood. One of the best protection measures for a building with a flood problem is National Flood Insurance, which is purchased through any property insurance agent. If the building is in a floodplain, flood insurance will be required by most mortgage lenders. Ask an insurance agent how much a flood insurance policy would cost.