Meridian participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This allows Meridian property owners to purchase insurance against flood losses and be eligible for federal disaster aid.
Meridian has achieved a Class 8 rating as members of the Community Rating System, an NFIP program that rewards communities that go above and beyond the minimum program requirements by giving residents discounts on flood insurance premiums. The program includes activities in Public Information, Mapping, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness.
Floodplain Development Permits
Floodplain Development Permit applications are online using the Citizens Access Portal under Residential or Commercial Flood Certificates. For structures in the floodplain, generally, two elevation certificates are required, with one at the time of foundation inspection and one after construction is complete.
View the FEMA Elevation Certificate and Instructions document.
Meridian’s watershed consists of four creeks that are mapped by FEMA as Special Flood Hazard Areas: Fivemile, Eightmile, Ninemile, and Tenmile Creeks.
To find out if your property is currently in the floodplain, check the FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer map. To check if your property was removed from the floodplain through Letters of Map Revision, please visit msc.fema.gov.
Meridian’s Public Works Department can assist you with the following information upon request:
Floods are Natural – A floodplain is defined as the area that stores water during a flood event. Floodplains play an important role in reducing flood risks as well as the frequency, severity, and duration of flooding. Floodplains also recharge our groundwater supply and provide habitat for plants and animals. A great example of this is the Fivemile Creek restoration project, which helped flourish the habitat between the creek and the land.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Information
FEMA ABS's of Returning to Flooded Buildings PDF
Ada County Code Red Alert System
Floods are dangerous! Floods can cause massive property damage and pose a considerable safety risk. Just one inch of water can cause $25,00 of damage to your home.
We encourage all citizens to learn about local flood risks, take steps to reduce damage, and be prepared. This can aid in quick recovery from flooding if it happens. Flood insurance is available to property owners in jurisdictions participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is a requirement for structures located in the Special Flood Hazard Area that have mortgages from financial institutions that are federally insured.
Idaho Department of Water Resources Floodplain Management
Flood insurance is available to property owners in jurisdictions participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Flood insurance is a requirement for structures located in the Special Flood Hazard Area that have mortgages from financial institutions that are federally insured.
For flood insurance resources, visit:
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
To find a policy, visit FloodSmart.gov.
Historical Flooding in Meridian
Flood risk on Meridian’s four creeks comes predominantly from winter and spring flooding events caused by warm rain and rapidly melting snow on frozen ground. Historical examples of this type of flooding in Meridian are documented in a 1963 newspaper article.
