Flood protection forms must be submitted with all zoning and building permit applications in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or floodplain. The documents on this page include flood protection forms, instructions, and information related to flood protection.
Zoning and building permits are issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
| Name | Description | Released | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| A guide for development in the floodplain PDF | This guide is to help navigate the process for obtaining permits and associated approvals for development in the floodplain. | November 29, 2023 | |
| City data to NGVD 29 conversion chart PDF | This chart shows the conversion from City data to NGVD 29. | July 15, 2019 | |
| Flood protection key terms PDF | Definitions for terms found in floodplain protection forms. | July 31, 2023 | |
| Flood protection scoping meeting information sheet PDF | Use this information sheet for details about the mandatory flood protection scoping meeting. | October 14, 2022 | |
| Flood protection form – Existing (FP-EX) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Use this form for renovations, alterations and/or additions to existing building(s) in the special flood hazard area. This form determines whether the development will constitute a substantial improvement, and which floodplain regulations apply. | March 9, 2022 | |
| Flood protection form – Existing (FP-EX) – 2021 Code PDF | For projects under the 2021 Code: Use this form for renovations, alterations and/or additions to existing building(s) in the special flood hazard area. This form determines whether the development will constitute a substantial improvement, and which floodplain regulations apply. | May 20, 2025 | |
| Flood protection form – General (FP-G) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Use this form for building permit applications for new construction in the special flood hazard area. The form determines if a project is a substantial improvement and which floodplain regulations apply. | November 29, 2023 | |
| Flood protection form – Zoning (FP-Z) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Use this form for zoning permit applications in the special flood hazard area. The form acknowledges the City of Philadelphia's building and floodplain regulations for construction in the SFHA. | March 9, 2022 | |
| Flood protection form – Variances (FP-VAR) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Review this form for variance conditions in the special flood hazard area. | November 29, 2023 | |
| Flood protection form – Variances (FP-VAR) – 2021 Code PDF | For projects under the 2021 Code: Review this form for variance conditions in the special flood hazard area. | May 20, 2025 | |
| Flood protection form – No rise (FP-NR) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Use this form for zoning and building permit applications in FEMA designated floodways and special flood hazard areas without a designated floodway delineated. | March 9, 2022 | |
| Flood protection form – No rise (FP-NR) – 2021 Code PDF | For projects under the 2021 Code: Use this form for zoning and building permit applications in FEMA designated floodways and special flood hazard areas without a designated floodway delineated. | May 20, 2025 | |
| Flood protection – Letter of map change (FP-LOMC) – 2018 Code PDF | For projects under the 2018 Code: Use this form for any development proposing to modify or change the special flood hazard area as part of the FEMA MT-1 or MT-2 application. | March 9, 2022 | |
| Flood protection form – Project summary (FP-PS) PDF | This is an example of the form you will receive after successful completion of a flood protection scoping meeting. | March 9, 2022 |