FEMA Compliance & Flood Protection Guide

Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Understanding FEMA Guidelines

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes guidelines for flood protection to reduce the risk of structural damage relative to the base flood elevation (BFE). Compliance with these guidelines is essential for ensuring safety, meeting insurance requirements, and obtaining building permits in flood-prone areas.

Dry Floodproofing vs. Wet Floodproofing

FEMA recognizes two primary methods for floodproofing structures:

• Dry Floodproofing: Involves making the structure watertight below the flood protection level. This prevents water from entering and is typically used for non-residential buildings or specific residential applications where permitted. Our modular barriers are designed for dry floodproofing.
• Wet Floodproofing: Allows floodwaters to enter and exit enclosed areas (like crawlspaces or garages) to equalize hydrostatic pressure. This reduces the risk of structural failure but requires flood-resistant materials and elevating essential utilities.

FEMA Technical Bulletin 3-93

This bulletin provides technical guidance on non-residential floodproofing permits and certifications. Key requirements include:

• Design Certification: A registered design professional must certify that the floodproofing design will meet performance standards.
• Structural Integrity: Walls and barriers must be capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads.
• Operations & Maintenance Plan: A documented plan must be in place to ensure barriers are deployed correctly before a flood event.

Flood Insurance Implications

Properly implemented flood mitigation measures can significantly reduce flood insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To qualify for discounts:

• Barriers must be FEMA-compliant and certified by an engineer.
• Documentation (Elevation Certificates and Floodproofing Certificates) must be submitted to your insurer.

Our Compliance Commitment

Flood Barrier Pros provides systems engineered to meet or exceed FEMA standards. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the pressures of flood events.

We provide:

• Engineering submittal packages for permitting.
• Detailed installation and deployment guides.
• Assistance with floodproofing certification processes.

Need Assistance?

Navigating FEMA compliance can be complex. Contact our team for a consultation regarding your specific property and flood zone requirements.