Flood Information

A floodplain is the relatively flat land adjacent to a body of water, such as a river or stream, which becomes flooded when a channel capacity is exceeded. The natural processes of periodic flooding, accompanied by erosion and deposition, bring changes to the topography, soils, vegetation, and physical features within these areas over time.

Wildfires can dramatically alter terrain and vegetation, but did you know they cause flood risk to increase? Large-scale wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water. This puts residents living in and around areas affected by wildfires at greater risk of flooding until vegetation is restored, which can take up to five years or more.

Just an inch of water in your home can cause up to $25,000 in damage, and the soil and sediment from denuded ground can cause even more. Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help you protect the life you’ve built. Talk to your insurance agent today to get the coverage that’s right for you.

FIRM Maps are the official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to our community. FEMA released FIRM information that became effective on June 19, 2020.

See Provo’s FIRM maps>>>

There is also a National Flood Insurance Program. No matter where you live or work, the risk of flooding exists. Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Flood Insurance enables you to recover quickly and more fully. Explore the program and the benefits of flood insurance by using any of the links below.

• National Flood Insurance Program
• Utah Department of Public Safety
• Federal Emergency Management Agency - Flood Smart  

A permit is required before construction or development begins in any Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). All proposed construction, including the placement of manufactured homes, must go through this process so it may be determined whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-prone areas. The permit will help ensure that proposed projects meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Provo’s floodplain ordinance.

To apply for a Provo Floodplain Permit, download the form and turn the completed form into the Public Works Division. For more information, please contact Public Works at (801) 852-6700.

Floodplains in Provo are regulated by the provisions of Section 15.05.180, Provo City Code.