Floodplain Development

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands has a flood damage prevention ordinance that governs all development within the Town. This ordinance complies with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program and applicable state law. Cumulative substantial improvement over a five year period is contained in the ordinance. Work that exceeds 50% of the value of the structure in five years triggers additional requirements.

The NFIP requires that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements to a building equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must be brought up to the same standards (e.g., a residence damaged so that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the buildings value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation).

Special Hazards

Since the Town lies completely in a special flood hazard area surrounded by Biscayne Bay, all development and improvements require permitting from the Town of Bay Harbor Islands Building Department. This is to insure that proposed development and improvements meet all existing codes for the work contemplated. This includes:

• Air-conditioners
• Buildings
• Excavations
• Fences
• Filling
• Grading
• Pools
• Slabs
• Sprinklers

In fact, any work that has a value of $100 or more must have a permit. If you are considering doing any work to your property, please contact the Town’s Building Department for a free consultation. All work must have a permit card prominently displayed on the building or work site. Anyone who sees construction work being performed and does not see a permit card should contact the Town’s Building Department as soon as possible.