Floodplain Information

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Floodplain Administration

Floodplain regulation and management is important to our community. Although not a common occurrence, much of the City of Carmel has experienced significant flooding in the past. To better understand, promote safety and manage streams, rivers, floodplain systems and storm water, the City of Carmel has incorporated several ways to do this.

We are part of the FEMA Community Rating System, have established Carmel's Floodplain Ordinance, participate in the Hamilton County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, work closely with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) as well as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and have established good Storm Water Management practices.

For more information on the City of Carmel’s flood program contact our Floodplain Manager in the Department of Community Services at 317-571-2444.

Know Your Flood Hazard

Flooding and Insurance

While homeowner’s insurance excludes this type of flooding and there is a 30-day waiting period, the NFIP can provide coverage locally in our community. Below are links with information to help anyone obtain flood insurance coverage as well as a discount provided from the City of Carmel’s participation in the Community Rating System.

Build Responsibly

When building a new home, shed, pool house, pool, deck, mother-in-law’s quarters, garage, pole barn, or any structure within a flood zone-there are many things to consider.

While the city can issue building permits for construction within floodplain areas, a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is also required for any building activity or earth moving work in the floodway.
Visit the DNR website to gain understanding of DNR’s permit process.

All floodplain and floodway development needs a permit.

To find out if your property is located in a flood zone you can visit the DNR Floodplain Information Portal or the Hamilton County’s interactive GIS map.

To reference state and local flood plain requirements, please search “flood” at these links:

For information on Grants FEMA provides that may help you floodproof or mitigate any flood issues, please visit: Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants | FEMA.gov

To visit the FEMA rebuild, improvement, substantial damage or renovate 50% rule, please visit: Rebuild, improvement, substantial damage rule or renovate 50% rule.

For any questions concerning the permit process in the floodplain or flood zone or to report any illegal floodplain development, please call the Department of Community Services 317-571-2444, mail and/or visit us at One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana, 46032 and ask for the flood plain manager.

Protect Your Property

Protecting your property can be as easy as keeping storm drainage inlets, curb drains, storm drains, and any drainage systems clean and clear of debris.

By keeping leaves, sticks and other debris clear of these systems, you and your neighbors will allow for the flow of water to go where it needs to go and not into your home.

Spilling, dumping, or discharging chemicals, dirt, debris, oil or other non-storm water substances into ditches, creeks, streams, curb drains, storm drains, or the river is a violation of federal, state, and local regulations. Allowing sediment or chemicals to wash off a construction site is also a violation. If you have witnessed an act that you feel is a violation of clean water regulations, anywhere within the city limits, please report the activity to the City of Carmel Engineering Department at 317-571-2441.

Whether look for an emergency or permanent solution to reoccurring flooding, FEMA has also put together an information packet that lists in depth options to help stop flooding.

6 Ways to Protect Your Home

Here are many other permanent solutions to protect your property: Permanent Solutions

Protect Yourself and Others from Flooding Hazards and Be Prepared

Be prepared for the flood!
Make a Plan!

Prepare yourself by knowing:

What documents and medication to have ready to bring with you?
What are your exit routes if an evacuation is declared?
Which breakers to turn off to keep first responders safe.
Listen to the warning sirens that test every Friday at 11:00am.
Have you looked at the City of Carmel/Hamilton County’s flood disaster plan?

Links to these items and more helpful hints to prepare:

ProtectDocuments.gov
BeReady.gov
National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service
Carmel and Hamilton County Evacuation Routes
Don’t drive thru flooded areas: TurnAroundDon’tDrown.gov
Red Cross Shelters

For more information on Protecting Natural Floodplain Functions and Regulations that Protect Natural Floodplain Functions, please visit: DNR: Water: Statutes & Rules