Like many other communities across the State and U.S., the City of Jordan is a participant in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. This allows residents located in the Floodplain to have flood insurance. Read more on this page for more information about the Floodplain and what you can do to mitigate the risk of flood events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: IS MY HOUSE IN THE FLOODPLAIN?
A: FEMA and lenders typically consider a structure to be located in the floodplain if the property boundary touches the floodplain, except when documentation can be provided to FEMA that shows the structure within that property is sufficiently elevation above the 100 year flood elevation. The City has created a map comparing the FEMA floodplain boundary to property boundaries which is available here: Jordan Floodplain Mapping Evaluation. This map primarily illustrates properties which are located within or touch the floodplain, but not necessarily the house or structure, which depends on the lowest opening/adjacent ground elevation of the structure as compared to the 100 year flood elevation. If you are unsure, please give us a call at 952-492-2535 and we will assist you in determining if you’re in the floodplain.
Q: WHAT IS AN ELEVATION CERTIFICATE?
A: An Elevation Certificate (EC) is used to document the elevation of a structure relative to the 100 year base flood elevation. Downtown/lowertown areas of the City where structures were built long before flood maps were first published in 1982, so EC’s are used to provide FEMA with documentation that more accurately quantifies flood risk. Without an EC submitted for a structure built before 1982, FEMA and lenders effectively assume that structures within the floodplain will be submerged by 3 feet or more of floodwater during a 100 year event, and flood insurance premiums are calculated accordingly. Most structures within the floodplain in Jordan are not estimated to be at that great of depth, though. Therefore, producing elevation certificate can demonstrate a reduced risk to FEMA for most lowertown Jordan properties and reduce flood insurance premiums accordingly from what would otherwise be due.
Q: I’M A RENTER OF A PROPERTY IN THE FLOODPLAIN. IF MY LANDLORD PURCHASES FLOOD INSURANCE, ARE MY BELONGINGS COVERED BY THE POLICY?
A: While your landlord may have flood insurance to cover the building you live in, their insurance will not cover a renter’s personal belongings. Renters can purchase coverage separately for up to $100,000 coverage for contents.
Q: WHO IS REQUIRED TO HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE?
A: Homes and businesses in the floodplain with government-backed mortgages are required to have flood insurance. Carrying flood insurance is also required in order to receive certain types of disaster aid.
Q: CAN I BUY FLOOD INSURANCE IF MY HOUSE IS NOT IN THE FLOODPLAIN?
A: Yes! Purchasing flood insurance can bring you protection and peace of mind. Every property is vulnerable to flooding, even if you are outside of the floodplain.
Flood Informational Handouts
- Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347
- Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program, F-084
- Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-P-55
- Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards, FEMA P-85
- Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA 257
- Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage, FEMA-P-348
- Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268
- Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding, FEMA 511
Additional Documents
Flood Insurance Information
The City of Jordan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making federally backed flood insurance available to property owners. Lenders are prohibited from issuing mortgages for properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), unless the property is covered by flood insurance.
Talk to your local insurance agent today about purchasing flood insurance!
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program
MN Flood Insurance Information
When purchasing a property, considering asking the following before you purchase:
- Ask the floodplain manager if the property is located in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and what is the flood depth, velocity and warning time
- Ask the city planner what building and zoning regulations are in effect for the property
- Ask the real estate agent if the property is located in a floodplain, if it has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards, such as sewer backup
- Ask the seller and neighbors if the property is located in a floodplain, how long they have lived there, if the property has ever been flooded, and if it is subject to any other hazards
- Ask an insurance agent how much flood insurance would cost if the structure is in a SFHA (100-year floodplain)
Flood Travel Information
- Expect the unexpected – flash floods can occur anytime, anywhere.
- Do not drive around barricades or into flooded areas.
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.
- When a road is closed, it is illegal to travel in that area. Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. If travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will also apply.
- More information about Road Closures in Scott County.
Additional Flood Hazard Information
- The City of Jordan’s Floodplain Ordinance
- Minnesota Floodplain Management
- Get a permit from the City before building in the floodplain.
- Store your valuables and any important documents (insurance, passports, birth certificates etc.) upstairs in a waterproof container to protect them from a flood.
- Prepare and protect your family from a flood by creating an evacuation plan. Learn more about protection from flood hazards.
- Flood Tracking of the Minnesota River gauge
- Minnesota River levels near Jordan
- Scott County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (2016)
Flood Maps
To identify properties at risk of flooding, FEMA prepares flood insurance studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) where flood risk is designated by zones.
FEMA retains sole authority for designating which properties are included or removed from the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), also known as the 100-year floodplain or Zone AE. Congress requires that FEMA periodically remap floodplains to reflect population growth. The city’s maintains FEMA’s historical FIRMs and the current effective FIRMs. The current effective dates are:
- Effective FIRM – February 12, 2021
You can find your property online through FEMA’s online Flood Map Service Center. To find your property, type the address, city and state into the search bar. To view the property’s associated FIRM, click on the “view map” symbol. The maps show base flood elevations, flood zones and floodplain boundaries.
The FEMA FIRMs for Jordan are listed below by location.
Jordan FIRMs
Have any questions?
Visit the Jordan MN Engineering website. The bottom of that page also includes contact information for the City’s engineering staff who are happy to answer any questions.