What is a Floodplain?
From an architectural point of view, a floodplain is any land susceptible to being inundated (covered) by water from any source.
In the business industry, it is level land area subject to periodic flooding from a contiguous body of water. Floodplains are delineated by the expected frequency of flooding. For example, an annual floodplain is expected to flood once each year.
From a geographic point of view, a floodplain is the relatively flat land stretching from either side of a river to the bottom of the valley walls. Flood plains are periodically inundated by the river water; hence the name. The flood plain may be thought of as an area of alluvium (sedimentary material deposited by flowing water) which is introduced to the valley, stored, subjected to weathering, and then transported downstream. Flood plains are often ill-drained and marshy.
From a real estate standpoint, it is a level land area subject to periodic flooding from a contiguous body of water. Floodplains are delineated by the expected frequency of flooding. For example, and annual floodplain is expected to flood once each year.
The two most predominant water sources within Maryland Heights are the Missouri River and Creve Coeur Lake. The areas affected by the river are predominantly zoned non-urban (NU), which is land with a principal use of agriculture and single-family dwellings on large sized lots. The land around the lake is zoned MXD (mixed use), which allows a range of recreational uses within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. While much of the area is levee-protected, it is yet to be developed.
In addition to these large bodies of water, there are numerous creeks and tributaries that run through mostly residential areas. It is these types of waterways that make Flood Insurance for the homeowner a necessity. Some of the major creeks and tributaries in Maryland Heights include Fee Fee Creek, Dorsett Creek, Midland Creek, Hollybrook Tributary and Fee Fee Tributary.
Maryland Heights Floodplain Ordinance
Floodplain Development Permits
Floodplain Development Permits are required for all work performed in the floodplain. To obtain a Floodplain Development Permit, the applicant shall first file a Floodplain Development Application. Every such application shall:
- Identify and describe the work to be covered by the floodplain development permit.
- Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by lot, block and tract, house and street address, or similar description that will readily identify and specifically locate the proposed structure or work.
- Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended.
- Indicate the assessed value of the structure and the fair market value of the improvement.
- Specify whether development is located in designated floodway fringe or floodway.
- Identify the existing base flood elevation and the elevation of the proposed development. Elevation Certificates must accompany the application. The elevation certificate must state the base flood elevation (BFE) for that parcel and the flood plain boundaries shall be clearly indicated and show path of travel and relationship to any structure on the parcel. The survey must stipulate what the base flood elevation (BFE) is and the lowest (including basement and cellars) structure floor elevation.
- Be accompanied by two sets of sealed, engineered plans and specifications for proposed construction.
- Give such other information as reasonably may be required by the Floodplain Administrator.
Other information or forms that may be requested by the Floodplain Administrator may include:
- A certificate from a registered professional engineer or architect that the nonresidential floodproofed structure meets the floodproofing criteria, or evidence that the residential structure will be constructed outside the floodplain and/or the basement floor elevation is above base flood elevation (BFE). Click the following link for a Floodproofing Certificate.
- Description of the extent to which any watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.
- In order to make any change to a floodway, a State of Missouri professional engineer must perform a hydrological study. The study must be formulated indicating no change of elevation or direction of flow of water will occur at, below or above the improvement because of the improvement.
- A No-Rise Certificate is required when any work is performed or proposed in a regulatory floodway.
Certificates and Forms
If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact the Director of Community Development at (314) 738-2232 or
mzeek@marylandheights.com. Printed copies of these documents are available upon request at the Maryland Heights Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road.
Administrative Procedures Guide
Certificates and Forms
These forms are produced by different government agencies including FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. If you are experiencing difficulty in opening these files, please:
- Right mouse click on the link.
- Click "Save Link As" to download the file.
- As prompted, save the document file on your computer.
- Print and complete, or fill-in and print to submit.
We've noticed that some of these forms cannot be saved in their completed state. Please remember to print before closing the document(s).
Certificates and Forms
If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact the Director of Community Development, Michael Zeek at (314) 738-2242 or
mzeek@marylandheights.com. Printed copies of these documents are available upon request at the Maryland Heights Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road.
Flood Safety
After the Flood - What to Do Now?
National Flood Insurance Program
National Weather Service
Flood Risk
Post Flood Clean-up Requirements
Stormwater Advisory Committee
Since the city was incorporated in 1985, it has taken an active interest in the areas prone to flash flooding and erosion. With the help of the Stormwater Advisory Committee, many dangerous locations have been identified and addressed. This Committee consists of seven members, five of whom are residents of the city. They meet quarterly or more often if circumstances dictate. They are tasked with identifying the problems of damaged storm sewers, erosion and flooding throughout the city. This includes the maintenance of storm sewers and open channels. The city budgets funds for this purpose as capital expenditures.
Every year, the Committee develops a program of projects to address small and large issues. All new projects must provide mitigation measures to ensure that there will be no adverse effects, such as increased velocity or peak discharge upstream or downstream of the project. For instance, eroding creek beds are often stabilized with rip rap or a loose application of broken stones.
While this activity shores up the eroding areas, it also provides a sharp surface which slows the flow of the water. In 2008, a total of 1,950 linear feet of creeks was cleaned; in 2009 the total was 2,600 linear feet. Both residents and businesses can contact the Stormwater Advisory Committee to voice a concern or ask a question by contacting Joe Krypciak at (314) 738-2254.
Annual Progress Report on Implementation Plan
St. Louis Regional All Hazard Mitigation Plans
Flood Damage Questionnaire
We've prepared a questionnaire to help streamline efforts for residents and city officials recovering from flood damage. Our form can help residents looking to make repairs and apply for permits more easily by providing basic, detailed information that best enables us to respond to their needs.
To submit a flood damage questionnaire, please fill out our digital form here, or download our PDF version of the document from this link, and submit in person at the Government Center during normal business hours.
