Floodplain Management
As a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, Pope County is required to use the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), periodically updated by FEMA, to regulate development in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The FIRMs for the unincorporated areas of Pope County were first published in 1986. In 2022, Pope County’s Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and FIRMs were updated by FEMA and became effective on September 26, 2024.
The maps are available for viewing using the following links:
- Pope County Floodplain Map – Effective vs. Preliminary (Pope County web map viewer)
- FEMA Flood Map Changes Viewer
- FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL) Viewer
- MN DNR Lake & Elevations Online Viewer
The Pope County Ordinance No.5, Floodplain Management Ordinance was also amended and adopted on July 16, 2024. The amended ordinance was based off the Minnesota DNR model floodplain ordinance, to satisfy the state and federal standards detailed in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F; Minnesota Rules, parts 6120.5000 – 6120.6200; the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program in 44 CFR 59 to 78. The ordinance provides the general regulations for development in floodplains, as well as procedures guiding administrative responsibilities.
If your structure or building is determined to be in a floodplain our office may be able to assist you with submission of a Letter of Map Change request to the floodplain map. Please contact our office for further information, 320-634-7791.
Resources
- MN DNR Floodplain Management
- MN DNR Estimating the 100-Year Flood Elevation on Lakes
- MN DNR Floodplain: Elevation Requirements
- FEMA Flood Maps
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- FEMA Change a Flood Zone Designation – Online Letter of Map Change
- FEMA National Flood Insurance Program – Elevation Certificate and Instructions
