Carteret County Flood Information

FEMA issued a Letter of Final Determination on July 17, 2024 for select flood insurance rate map panels in Carteret County.  These panels became effective on January 17, 2025.  Please click the link below to view a map showing which preliminary flood insurance rate map panels became effective January 17, 2025.  Carteret County FIRM Status Map.

*** Beginning January 17, 2025, portions of Unincorporated Carteret County will be mapped into the new Coastal A flood zone.  All new construction and substantial improvement will be required to be built to V-zone construction standards and be built on piers, pilings, or columns and have both breakaway walls and flood venting for enclosures below the effective base flood elevation.  Please visit the County's GIS website or the NCFRIS website to determine if your property will be mapped into the new Coastal A flood zone. ***

For additional information please contact NCEM Floodplain Mapping Outreach Coordinator at 919-825-2316 or Carteret County Planning & Development at 252-728-8545 or 252-222-5833.

The dominant source of flooding in Carteret County North Carolina is wind-driven storm surge in association with Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and Nor'easters.  Approximately 33% (22,179) of Carteret County's total population of 66,469 people live within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), while approximately 47% (166,120 acres) of Carteret County's total land area lies within the SFHA.  Additionally, 24% of critical facilities and 39% of road miles (569 miles) are located within the SFHA.  

Carteret County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS).  The CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages sound community floodplain management through the implementation of activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result of Carteret County's implementation of these activities and participation in the CRS, Unincorporated Carteret County is designated as a Class 9 Community.  NFIP flood insurance premiums in Class 9 communities are discounted 5% for all properties including properties located outside of the SFHA.

Carteret County maintains copies of elevation certificates for all new construction and substantial improvements and provides flood information services such as basic FIRM information, historical flood information, natural floodplain functions, and provides assistance with letter of map amendments/letter of map revisions.  Carteret County also provides advice on how to protect your property from flooding, as well as advice on hurricane preparedness and flood education.  

The County also requires higher regulatory standards through the implementation of the Carteret County Flood Damage Prevention and Protection Ordinance.

Please contact a Carteret County Floodplain Manager at (252) 728-8545 or (252) 222-5833 to determine whether or not your property is located within the SFHA and to receive technical advice on how to protect your buildings from flooding.