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 and 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.

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 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 includes flood depths, areas of historical flooding, how to go about getting flood insurance, contour information, and wetland natural functions (when available) for our jurisdictional areas of Hamilton County only. Elevation Certificates that are provided to our office for our specific jurisdictional area are available upon request.

Our office 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.

We have also provided the Noblesville Library and the Sheridan Library with copies of the above listed information. The Noblesville Library is located at 1 Library Plaza on Cumberland Road, Noblesville (just west of Conner Street) and the Sheridan Library is located at 103 W. First St., Sheridan.

You may reach our office by coming to the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 306, Noblesville, or by calling (317) 776-8490.