Property Protection Projects
In some cases, retrofitting existing buildings or regarding a yard can help reduce the potential for flood damage to structures and their contents. Retrofitting techniques include elevating buildings above flood levels, wet or dry flood proofing (commercial structures only), and installing backflow preventers to protect floors and contents from sewer backups. A building permit may be required for retrofitting and structural projects.
There are also temporary measures that can help to protect your property during a flood event. You can plan ahead about where and how you will move furniture out of harm’s way; keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing; and clear brush and debris away from storm drains and ditches so water can drain away from the structure.
Guides
The following guides contain more information on protecting your property:
- “Residential Drainage: A Homeowner’s Guide to Drainage Problems and Solutions” available from Prince George’s County.
- "Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding” (FEMA Publication #312), includes information on protecting a structure from flooding and information about available financial assistance.
For additional questions about these types of projects, or for information on permitting, For additional questions about these types of projects, or for information on permitting, please call 3-1-1 to be connected to the appropriate agency.
Substantial Improvements
Homeowners who are planning substantial improvements to their structure should contact the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) for a residential building permit. Elevating or flood proofing may be required if you plan to substantially improve your existing structure (the cost of the improvement or add-on is up to 50% of the value of the existing structure).
If your property is substantially damaged by a flood (50% of the value of the building), Federal regulations may require you to elevate or flood proof before you can rebuild. The document titled “Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings” (FEMA-213, May 1991) will help answer questions on this topic and can be obtained free by calling or by going online.
For additional questions about substantial improvements, or for information on permitting, please contact Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement at 301-636-2060.