Department of Water Resources Floodplain Management Page

Senate Bill 2027 Resources

As a result of Senate Bill 2027, which went into effect August 1, 2025, there are multiple requirements for communities participating in the NFIP. An ordinance update as well the submission of a certification form to the DWR is now required.

Senate Bill 2027 Resources and Requirements

Community Application Packets

Community Application Packet for Communities Not Currently Mapped by FEMA (PDF)

Community Application Packet for Communities Currently Mapped by FEMA (PDF)

Benefits of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (PDF)

Floodplain Management and the National Flood Insurance Program

North Dakota has a long history of flood-related challenges, which have increased over the past two decades. Effective state and community floodplain management programs help reduce the negative impacts of flooding.

Floodplain management regulates development within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) to improve community resilience. Building standards and minimum requirements follow the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA and State requirements to reduce flood risk.

Building in the Floodplain

For questions related to development requirements, Letters of Map Change, flood insurance, or locating a structure on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), please contact the Division or your local Floodplain Administrator.

List of Local Floodplain Administrators (PDF)

Please note: A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

Risk MAP and other Flood Risk Information

Risk MAP was initiated in 2009 to identify, assess, communicate, and mitigate flood hazards. The program provides quality data to increase public awareness and reduce risks to life and property.

North Dakota Local Officials Floodplain Toolkit (PDF)

North Dakota Risk Assessment Map Service (NDRAM)

The North Dakota Risk Assessment Map Service (NDRAM) allows users to view current flood risks, including approximate floodplains from Base Level Engineering (BLE) and effective regulatory floodplains from FEMA’s NFIP. Users can also view water surface elevations, flood depths, download engineering model data, and print customized maps.

Watch The NDRAM Tutorial Video

Access the North Dakota Risk Assessment Map Service (NDRAM)

Base Level Engineering (BLE) data is a FEMA non-regulatory product that provides flood hazard information beyond FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. BLE data includes base flood elevations, water depth, and water velocity derived from large-scale engineering models.

Program Rules

North Dakota Century Code, 61-16.2 (Floodplain Management) (PDF)

Federal Regulations, Title 44 Code, Part 59 (PDF)

Floodplain Management Applications

Application for Floodway Review (SFN 61171) (PDF)

Floodway "No-Rise" Certificate (SFN 61173) (PDF)

Additional Flood Insurance Resources

FEMA Map Service Center – Locate a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

FloodSmart – Official NFIP Flood Insurance Website

Flood Insurance 101 (PDF)

Agent Disaster Briefing (PDF)

Tips for Insurance Producers Selling NFIP Policies (PDF)

Floodplain Management Resources

Floodplain Management Quick Guide For North Dakota (PDF)

North Dakota Substantial Damage Program Overview (PDF)

Structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) that are substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must comply with local floodplain regulations. Local Floodplain Administrators are responsible for Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage (SI/SD) determinations required for NFIP participation.

To support this process, the State of North Dakota provides the following resources:

North Dakota Substantial Damage Plan Fundamentals (PDF)

SI/SD Community Checklist for Local Officials (PDF)

Guided Community Self-Assessment for SI/SD Compliance (PDF)

Substantial Damage Resident Fact Sheet (PDF)

Pre-FIRM vs. Post-FIRM Standards Flowchart (PDF)

Letter of Map Change (FEMA Forms)