County Plan Commission can provide guidance on flood zones

Submitted by Hamilton County Plan Commission

In 1913, 1958, 1964, 1999, 2003 and 2005 heavy rains caused the White River; creeks such as Big & Little Cicero Creek, Mud Creek, Stony Creek; and streams to overflow their banks. Some of the most notable floods were the result of heavy rains over several hours, ice and log jams.

The largest flood of record in Hamilton County occurred in 1913 with other historical flooding events occurring in 1958, 1964, 1999, 2003 and 2005.

Hamilton County is divided into nine different building and zoning jurisdictions. The Hamilton County Plan Commission covers parts of Adams, Noblesville, and Wayne townships, and all of White River Township.

The Hamilton County Plan Commission offers assistance to current, new, and future property owners, insurance companies, banks, mortgage companies, etc., concerning a property’s flood zone classification and whether it is in a floodway. Other information that can be given are flood depths, areas of historical flooding, how to go about getting flood insurance, contour information, and wetland natural functions (when available) for the jurisdictional areas of Hamilton County only. Elevation Certificates that are provided to the Plan Commission for its specific jurisdictional area are available upon request.

The Plan Commission maintains a comprehensive library of manuals and materials dealing with flood hazard matters, including: reducing loss in high-risk flood hazard areas, flood proofing for both residential and non-residential structures, elevating residential structures, installing manufactured homes in flood hazard areas, as well as design guidelines for flood damage reduction, flood area maps, flood elevations, repairing your flooded home, etc.

The Plan Commission has also provided the Noblesville Library and the Sheridan Library with copies of the above listed information. The Noblesville Library is located at One Library Plaza on Cumberland Road (just north of Conner Street), and the Sheridan Library is located at 103 W. First St.

You may reach the Plan Commission by emailing planning.dept@hamiltoncounty.in.gov, calling (317) 776-8490, or by coming to the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, One Hamilton County Square, Suite 13, Noblesville.