Countywide Flood Damage Reduction Strategies

The multi-agency Stormwater Management Technical Group has completed a 15-year study effort to define the extent of the major flooding problems in the county. The study shows that approximately 4,000 structures are flood prone in a 100-year storm event. Much of the flooding is concentrated in the older, highly-urbanized inner beltway communities targeted for revitalization.

Elevation Certificates

Elevation certificates are prepared by surveyors and document the ground elevation, floor elevation, and general building characteristics for a structure in relationship to the Base Flood Elevation.

FEMA Floodplain Maps

Download files with more information about the designated floodplain areas in Prince George's County.

FEMA Map Revision

Flood Insurance Rate Maps & Flood Insurance

Find flood insurance rate maps and other flood insurance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to questions commonly asked of the Flood Management Division.

GIS & Mapping Components

Request in writing that a floodplain study be conducted by the county using GIS-based hydrology and hydraulic models with the property boundary (lot/parcel) highlighted on a tax map which clearly indicates the area of interest.

Hurricane Season Special Warnings

The warm weather of summer brings with it the start of another change in weather commonly known as “hurricane season." During this 6-month period from June through November, the likelihood for hurricanes and tropical storms that impact the eastern United States is extremely high.

Introduction Flood Management

A floodplain is an integral part of the stream system. It provides storage capacity for high flows, helps reduce the erosive power of the stream during a flood, reduces the discharge of sediment during high flow periods and helps flood waters to move downstream.

Known Floodprone Structures (JPG)

Review a map depicting the known floodprone structures in the county.

Local Flood Hazards, Mapping & History of Flooding

All waterways and bodies of water are subject to flooding - a condition that occurs when the volume of water exceeds the capacity of the waterway channels or when tidal waters are pushed inland by coastal storms.

Permitting

Qualified county staff are available at the Permit and Review Division to discuss your options and to help you plan and build a safe project while complying with the County Floodplain Management Ordinance.

Property Protection Projects

Learn about the county's property protection projects (retrofitting, drainage, protecting against high wind, etc.), and substantial improvement/damage.

Public Outreach

As part of its overall floodplain management program, the county provides a number of services to local residents and businesses.

Watershed Studies

The Stormwater Management Technical Group is an interagency technical group consisting of representatives from the Department of the Environment and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, which has been formed to study watersheds in the County. These technical studies include analysis of existing and planned land use, watershed hydrology, stream hydraulics, topographic analysis, evaluation of flood hazard mitigation alternatives, pollutant loading analysis, analysis of various water quality control techniques, and the National Pollutant Discharge Eliminate System (NPDES) Program.

FEMA: Hidden Risks Can Cause Flooding video

Nuisance Flood Plan Phase I: Tidal Nuisance Flood

Prince George’s County has approved Nuisance Flood Plan Phase I: Tidal Nuisance Flooding. This nuisance flood plan has been developed by the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment Sustainability Division. Prince George’s County, like other jurisdictions, has its own unique needs, resources, and strategies that can be used to develop and implement a nuisance flood plan. The plan is being developed in two phases. This part of the plan is Phase 1. It includes background on high tide flooding; identifies impacted areas; and provides recommended actions. Phase 2 will serve to build upon and expand this analysis to identify and track localized flood events and create a more robust nuisance flood plan.

Floodplain Ordinance

The County Floodplain Management Ordinance was developed through a coordinated effort and integrates NFIP and the State permit requirements.