The City of Delaware is located within the Olentangy and Scioto River Watersheds. These areas of special flood hazard require additional local and federal safeguards to be implemented through zoning restrictions and supplemental building requirements. The City of Delaware is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In exchange for adopting and enforcing floodplain management Ordinances, the NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners within the community. These requirements are designed to maximize safety of persons and structures in flood hazard areas and reduce and minimize damage and the need for governmental services as a result of flooding.

The Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Look for these on the FEMA website.

Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance 23-89
An amendment to Chapter 1347 of the codified ordinances of the City of Delaware was approved by City Council on December 19, 2023 and is effective immediately. This amendment incorporates changes required by FEMA. The Flood Damage Reduction Ordinance is available for viewing and download here.

City of Delaware, Floodplain Administrator
Chief Building Official
The Floodplain Administrator determines if a given structure is or will be located within a flood hazard area and verifies that the construction or alteration is built to prescribed floodproofing standards and will have no adverse impact to the flood hazard area.