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Flooding is the most common and costly natural hazard in Virginia. The commonwealth is leading by example as flood risks increase due to climate change, strengthening how state agencies plan, build and maintain facilities in flood-prone areas.
To protect public safety and support resilient communities, Virginia now requires all state-owned buildings in floodplains to meet updated floodplain standards. These standards reflect best practices in flood resilience and align state actions with federal requirements under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The floodplain standards apply to all state-owned or state-leased properties located in floodplains across Virginia. Each state agency is responsible for ensuring that its construction and development projects comply.
These requirements replace earlier guidance, including Executive Order 45 and Executive Memorandum 2-97, and establish a consistent, statewide framework aligned with NFIP standards.
When development in floodplains is necessary, projects must be designed to withstand flood conditions and minimize potential damage. New construction and substantial improvements are required to be adequately elevated, properly anchored, constructed with flood-resistant materials, and designed to protect utility systems.
Water, sewage, septic and electrical infrastructure must be designed to prevent contamination or failure during flood events. Any work that alters waterways requires appropriate state and federal permits to ensure natural water flow is not obstructed and flood risks are not increased elsewhere.
A key feature of the updated standards is the use of “freeboard” — an added margin of safety above predicted flood levels.
These elevation requirements reduce damage during flood events and lower long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Older buildings located in floodplains are encouraged but not automatically required to be upgraded. However, when a structure undergoes major repairs, renovations or expansions, it must be brought into compliance with current standards.
Any structural work in a floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. Each state agency is responsible for documenting and coordinating with DCR for permit approval.
Permits are issued only when a project does not:
Applicants may appeal permit decisions within 30 days.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation provides oversight, technical guidance, maintains statewide consistency and coordinates with the Virginia Department of General Services to issue permits. Agencies must keep records of all permits and exemptions.
Transparency is a cornerstone of Virginia’s floodplain management approach. Agencies must document exempted activities and may enter into Memoranda of Agreement with DCR for limited development activities.
These floodplain standards were established by § 10.1-603 and took effect in December 2025. By holding itself to high standards, Virginia is demonstrating leadership in flood resilience by protecting public resources, supporting community safety and setting a strong example for responsible development in flood-prone areas.
For more information or technical guidance, state agencies are encouraged to work directly with DCR.
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