As a participant in the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP), Cary has adopted flood damage prevention ordinances (LDO section 14.7) intended to reduce the risk of flood damage to insurable structures and help ensure the safety of our citizens. These ordinances prohibit development in designated floodplain areas to protect citizens, reduce property damage from flooding, and allow a stream, channel, and waterway’s floodplains to function naturally without obstructions.

Please refer to Cary's Floodplain FAQs for more information on floodplains on your property.

If your home or business is mapped within the Flood Hazard Area as delineated on the published Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), your mortgage company may require that you purchase flood insurance. Federally backed flood insurance is available for all properties in Cary regardless of whether they are inside or outside the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated floodplain.

Upon request, Cary staff will find and read the Flood Insurance Rate Map for your property to help determine whether or not your property is in a FEMA-mapped or other locally regulated floodplain, what the Base Flood Elevation is, and other relevant information. Please send these requests via Cary's 311 system.

Learn more about how Cary monitors flooding through its network of stream sensors, rain gauges and weather stations.

Flood Permits

Any proposed work in the floodplain requires a flood permit. This includes:

• new structures
• modifications to existing structures (e.g. additions)
• retaining walls
• pools
• decks
• patios
• bulkheads
• shoreline stabilization projects
• interior improvements

A completed Floodplain Development Permit application must accompany all submittals for work in the floodplain.

Why do interior improvements to buildings in the floodplain require a flood permit?

The NFIP requires participating communities like Cary to track Substantial Improvements and Substantial Damages for homes located in the FEMA-mapped or other locally-regulated floodplain. When the cumulative costs of improvements or repairs (over a five-year period) exceed 50% of the tax value of the home, the structure must be brought up to current flood protection building standards, which often means raising the first floor elevation of the home.  

This applies to all improvement projects, including interior renovations or upgrades, and any repairs due to flood, fire, fallen tree or any other damage. This requirement helps reduce future flood losses by ensuring that buildings meet current standards before homeowners make major investments in structures that may be at risk of flooding. A completed Substantial Damage/Substantial Improvement Cost Estimate form must be submitted with the building permit for proposed building improvements in the floodplain.

Community Rating System

Cary participates in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and its voluntary Community Rating System (CRS), a national program that encourages local governments to strengthen floodplain management beyond minimum federal requirements. Communities that demonstrate proactive flood risk reduction efforts can earn a CRS rating, which may result in reduced flood insurance premiums for eligible policyholders.

In March 2025, Cary improved from a Class 10 to a Class 7 CRS rating. This advancement reflects years of sustained work in floodplain identification, mitigation, public communication, open space preservation, and detailed record keeping. It also represents long-term investments in stormwater infrastructure, public education, and policies designed to reduce flood risk across the community.

As a result of achieving a Class 7 rating, eligible NFIP policyholders in Cary may qualify for up to a 15% discount on flood insurance premiums. Discounts are administered by private insurance providers and are not automatic or guaranteed. Policyholders should contact their insurance agent directly to confirm eligibility, timing, and policy details. Residents interested in purchasing flood insurance or citizens with flood insurance policies should check with their agent to verify eligibility for the discount. For more information, visit floodsmart.gov and click the "Get a Quote" icon.

By actively engaging in floodplain management, Cary not only reduces potential flood damage but also contributes to a safer and more prepared community.

Commonly Used Terms

More on Floodplains and Flood Hazards

See FEMA's flood mapping information categorized for homeowners, insurers, lenders, and surveyors. Learn how to read flood insurance rate maps, how to challenge a lender's determination that your property is in a flood zone, and more.

Contact

 311 within Town of Cary limits

(919) 469-4000 outside Cary limits