Floodplain Applications

Prior to doing work within the floodplain or the floodway, removal or damage of vegetation within 25' of the river or riverside of the greenbelt or nature path, or if you are requesting a Flood Insurance Rate Map Letter of Map Change you will need to apply for a floodplain/way application through the City.  Before you build on, alter, re-grade, dredge or fill on your property, check with the City to determine if a permit is needed.  These types of activities can cause harm and flooding to nearby properties if not done correctly.  Additionally, any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements to a building that equal or exceed 50% of the building’s value, must comply with the same standards as any new development in the SFHA.  Monitoring the floodplain in Garden City is important not only to structures and development, but also to the enhancement and protection of the River habitat and water quality.  The open space along the floodplain contributes not only to the scenic beauty of the Greenbelt that borders the River, but the floodplain provides protection for wetlands, rookeries and fish habitat.

If you have any questions please reach out to floodplain@gardencityidaho.org.

Materials that you wish to be reviewed must be submitted either through the front Development Services Department window at City Hall or to the email address building@gardencityidaho.org.  To formally submit your project, please provide:

  • The completed application
  • Required documentation as noted on the application
  • Associated Fees

Your request will be sent to the applicable Garden City Reviewers.  Any re-submittals need to be sent to building@gardencityidaho.org.  Each review cycle (each time that you submit new information), can take up to 15 working days.

Additional Information

FEMA has a Flood Map Service: link.

Here you can find historic Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flood Insurance Studies, and Letters of Map Change

Required Documents

Floodplain development applications are found here: Applications

MINOR WORK FLOODPLAIN PERMIT APPLICATION

Code of Federal Regulations 60.3 exempts certain work in the floodplain (not floodway) from a formal review process.  These include:

  • An accessory Structure that is less than 200 square feet and valued less than $7,500 within the floodplain.
  • A stored Recreational Vehicle outside of a structure that is within the floodplain.
  • A fence within the floodplain.

However, FEMA requires that the city maintain a list of these activities.  Subsequently, we require that you submit the Minor Work Floodplain Permit Application.  There is no documentation other than the application form that is required.

FLOODPLAIN/FLOODWAY DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

This application is required for:

  • Grading/Placing Fill in the Floodplain
  • Work in Floodway or River Channel 
  • Work in Riparian Area
  • City's acknowledgment of map revisions for FEMA (For Letter of Map Changes FEMA requires that the City first reviews them before they are submitted to FEMA)
    • LOMR- Letter of Map Revision, structural changes
    • LOMR-F- Letter of Map Revision, Fill
    • CLOMR-F- Conditional Letter of Map Revision
    • CLOMA- Letter of Map Amendment
    • LOMA – Letter of Map Amendment

Each application type has a list of the required documents within the Floodplain Application.

FEMA ELEVATION CERTIFICATES AND OTHER FEMA FORMS

https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/find-form/underwriting

Fees

For information regarding current fee amounts for River Systems and Floodplain Review please see Fee link.  Please note that all process will incur additional resubmittal fees based on the number of resubmittals or re-inspections required.

Applicable Regulations

Federal Regulations 

The primary federal regulation for floodplain management is 44 CFR Part 60, which outlines the criteria for land management and use in flood-prone areas. Specifically, 44 CFR Part 60, Subpart A, Section 60.3 details the specific requirements for flood plain management regulations. Additionally, 24 CFR Part 55 covers floodplain management and protection of wetlands. 

Idaho Statutes

46-1020 Establishes the State Disaster Preparedness Act, which includes provisions for floodplain management to protect against flood damage and encourage responsible development. 

46-1022 Allows local governments to adopt floodplain zoning ordinances, including floodplain maps and regulations, to minimize flood hazards and protect property. 

46-1023 Provides for enforcement of floodplain management ordinances, declaring violations a public nuisance, and outlines potential consequences if local governments fail to enforce proper standards. 

46-1024 Authorizes the use of state funds for flood control projects, including floodplain management initiatives, and outlines how those funds can be used.

Garden City Regulations
Garden City's Floodplain development regulations can be found in Garden City Code 8-4H Flood Hazard.
Development adjacent to the river and greenbelt has additional regulations found in Garden City Code 8-4M Boise River Natural Resource.

Boise River Plants

Related Permits

FEMA Services

FEMA has a Flood Map Service: link.

Here you can find historic Flood Insurance Rate Maps, Flood Insurance Studies, and Letters of Map Change