What do the terms Base Flood Elevation & Regulatory Flood Elevation mean?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirement for building structures in flood hazard areas is that the floor of the lowest habitable enclosure must be elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). The BFE is based on the floodplain delineation for the 100-year peak runoff event.

In order to minimize potential damage to residential structures in flood hazard areas, the  Coconino County Floodplain Regulations Ordinance requires an additional foot of freeboard above the BFE, which is referred as the Regulatory Flood Elevation (RFE).

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1. What is a floodplain?
2. Is my property in a floodplain?
3. What do the terms Base Flood Elevation & Regulatory Flood Elevation mean?
4. What is an Elevation Certificate (EC)?
5. How do I get an Elevation Certificate (EC) for my building?
6. I would like to install a driveway and/or culvert to access my property. Do I need an encroachment permit?
7. Utility locating and marking is required by law. How do I request it?