Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

CRAWFORD COUNTY—Crawford County does not have a building codes program that requires a permit. However, you may need a floodplain development permit if you are planning construction, renovations or improvements to a structure located in a floodplain within Crawford County. This includes rehab work to homes that have been flooded. 

“If you are planning to build any type of structure or improve existing structures, you need to determine if you are in a floodplain, and we can provide floodplain maps to help you do that,” said Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC assistant director and environmental programs manager. “If your lending institution is requiring you to purchase flood insurance, that is a good indication that you may be in an area susceptible to flooding, and you most definitely need to contact us,” Snodgrass added. “The sooner you find out, the better.”

By providing FEMA floodplain maps, MRPC helps property owners determine whether a floodplain development permit is needed. If a permit is needed, the property owner will need to fill out an application, and the administrator will provide detailed specifications that would need to be followed for construction in the floodplain.

“For example, you may have to forego a basement, because no basements are allowed in a floodplain,” Snodgrass said.

Once the administrator has provided the specification information, the permit application is sent to the county commission for approval. Once approved by the county commission, construction can begin. The administrator will then follow up by requiring an elevation certificate.

“An elevation certificate documents the elevation of the lowest floor of the structure and certifies compliance with federal regulations,” Snodgrass said. 

If structures are out of compliance with NFIP, the entire county could lose its ability to participate in the flood insurance program.

“That would mean no one owning property in Crawford County would be able to purchase flood insurance,” Snodgrass said.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) administers the county’s floodplain management program. For more information on floodplain regulations in Crawford County, persons should contact Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or email tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 34 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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