Understanding Floodplains
A floodplain is an area of land that may be covered by water during a flood. Floodplains are generally located along streams, waterways, drainage courses, and other low-lying areas where water may collect or overflow.
Flooding can damage homes, businesses, roads, and other property and may create risks to public safety. Flood risk is not limited to areas shown on federal flood maps. Properties near smaller streams or drainage areas may also be subject to flooding.
Penn Township regulates development and other activities within flood-prone areas to help reduce flood damage, protect waterways, and meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood Mapping
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that identify areas with mapped flood risk. These maps are used for floodplain management, flood insurance, and to help determine whether additional requirements may apply to a property.
FEMA flood maps do not identify every area where flooding may occur. Smaller streams, drainage courses, and low-lying areas may also experience flooding even when they are not within a mapped FEMA floodplain.
Property owners can use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to search by address and view available flood hazard information for their property.
View FEMA Flood Maps & Search by Address →
Penn Township Floodplain Regulations
Penn Township regulates development and other activities within flood-prone areas through Chapter 27 of the Township Zoning Ordinance, including Section 27-214 – Floodplain District.
The Floodplain District includes areas identified on federal flood maps as well as certain low-lying areas along streams, waterways, and drainage courses. Because flood-prone areas are not always shown on federal maps, additional information or an engineering study may be needed to determine whether floodplain requirements apply to a particular property or project.
Property owners planning construction, grading, or other improvements near a stream, waterway, or flood-prone area should contact Penn Township before beginning work. Township staff can help identify whether additional floodplain requirements may apply.
View Section 27-214 – Floodplain District →
National Flood Insurance Program
Penn Township participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Participation in the NFIP requires the Township to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations that meet federal requirements. In return, property owners within the Township are eligible to purchase federally backed flood insurance.
Learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program – FEMA →
Flooding and Stormwater Management
Stormwater management and floodplain management work together to help reduce flooding and protect property. As development creates additional impervious surfaces, such as roofs, driveways, and parking areas, more stormwater runoff may be generated.
Proper stormwater management helps control runoff and reduce impacts on streams, drainage systems, neighboring properties, and downstream areas.
Learn more about Stormwater Management →
After a Flood
If your property has been affected by flooding, use the following resources for information about cleanup, safety, and recovery:
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