Floodplain Management
Floodplain Management:
The Doddridge County Floodplain Management Program helps protect lives, property, and natural resources by promoting safe development in flood-prone areas.
The Floodplain Manager is responsible for administering and enforcing county floodplain regulations, reviewing development proposals, issuing floodplain permits, maintaining compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and assisting residents with flood hazard information.
What We Do
Administer county floodplain regulations
Review permits for development in flood-prone areas
Assist property owners with flood hazard information
Support participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Maintain floodplain records and documentation
Support the Community Rating System (CRS)
Promote flood mitigation and resilient development
Before You Begin Any Development Project:
Before starting any development project in or near a floodplain, property owners are encouraged to contact the Floodplain Manager to determine whether permits or additional requirements may apply.
Many people assume that "development" only refers to constructing a new home or commercial building. Under the Doddridge County Floodplain Ordinance, development includes almost any man-made change to land or property.
NEW Updated 2026...Ordinance
Examples of Development May Include but not limited to:
Building a home, garage, or other structure
Installing a manufactured home
Placing fill dirt on a property
Grading or excavating land
Installing culverts or stream crossings
Constructing driveways or private roads
Building retaining walls
Oil and gas development activities
Installing pipelines
Constructing ponds or impoundments
Storing equipment or materials within a floodplain
Even small projects may require review if they are located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or other regulated floodplain area. When in doubt, contact the Floodplain Manager before beginning work.
A quick phone call to the floodplain managers office at (304) 873-1343 can help prevent permit violations, project delays, and costly corrections.
Floodplain Development Permits
Any work taking place in or near a FEMA‑mapped floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit before construction begins. This includes new homes, additions, manufactured homes, garages, driveways, culverts, fill, grading, utility work, and commercial development.
How to Apply for a Floodplain Development Permit
If your project is located in or near a FEMA‑mapped floodplain, you must obtain a Floodplain Development Permit before any construction begins. This includes new homes, additions, manufactured homes, garages, driveways, culverts, fill, grading, utility work, and commercial development.
To apply:
Download and complete the appropriate permit application (See the links below)
(Residential or Commercial) using the buttons below. (You can print it out and fill it out by hand or you can come to our office and we will assist you.)
Please Provide a project description
Include a brief summary of what you plan to build, install, repair, or modify.
Attach a site plan or map
Showing the location of the work, access points, and any existing structures.
Include Elevation Certificate information if required
New structures, substantial improvements, manufactured homes, and certain commercial structures may need certified elevation data before approval.
Submit your application
You may email it, [email protected] deliver it in person, or mail it to the Floodplain Office at:
Doddridge County OEM & Floodplain Management, 99 Court Street, Suite 128, West Union, WV 26456.
After review, you will be contacted if additional information is needed. Most permits are processed quickly as long as all required documentation is provided.
If you have questions about whether your project requires a permit, please contact the Floodplain Management Office at 304‑873‑1343.
To apply, please complete the appropriate permit below:
Residential Permit Application
Permit fees can be found here:
Please review the Floodplain Ordinance before submitting a permit application.
Note: If you are using the Doddridge County mobile app, PDF permit files may not open inside the app.
For full access to all documents, please open this page in your device’s web browser.
Floodplain Permit Archive – Coming Soon
We are currently preparing a new online archive that will allow public access to all Floodplain Development Permits and Elevation Certificates.
This feature is under construction and will be available once system integration is complete.