Flood Plain Management

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Mission Statement

The purpose of floodplain management is to reduce flood damage. Floodplain management is the operation of community programs for preventative and corrective measures. These measures take a variety of forms and generally include zoning, subdivision or building requirements, and special-purpose floodplain ordinances.

Services

Special Flood Hazard Development Permit
A special flood hazard development permit and payment of fees in accordance with the City’s fee schedule shall be required prior to issuance of a buil...
Flood Map Information and Determinations
Map determinations are made either verbally in person or by a written request that provides the City with the parcel identification number. There is ...
Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Elevation Certificates
All Flood Insurance Rate Maps (since 1981), Letters of Map Revision, Letters of Map Amendments and Elevation Certificates issued since November of 198...
Changes in Flood Zone Designation
Changes to your flood zone designation can be requested on-line using a new FEMA web application. A Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) is a letter from F...
Pre-Flood Assistance
Assistance designed to implement a sustained pre-disaster natural hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the population and structures fr...
Post-Flood Assistance
Post-flood assistance is assistance with the goal of reducing or eliminating claims under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FMA was created...
Community Rating System
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community ...
Information About Floodways, Local Drainage, Inundation Areas and Depths and Historical Flood Events
The Floodplain Management Staff can provide information about Lawton's designated floodways, local drainage problem areas, possible inundation areas, ...
Floodplain Property Acquisition Program
When a property or a neighborhood experiences repeated flooding, costs for the property owner, the community and the state can escalate rapidly. Flood...

Need Information?

The City Of Lawton Can Help!

License & Permit Office (Mike Hawkins) (580) 581-3360

offers information on floodproofing and flood protection including on site visits, financial assistance and local contractors
provides information /advise on flood insurance
provides information about floodways, local drainage problem areas, flood inundation areas possible flood depths, benefits of floodplains, wetland locations, open space areas and historical flood information
reviews retrofitting plans; offers advice on siting a structure
maintains elevation certificates
issues special flood hazard development permits
depository of the official Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)
provides assistance in locating your property on the FIRM; this information is also available on the FEMA website

Public Works 580-581-3425

maintains drainage channels, public detention structures and the City’s rainfall and runoff monitoring system

Lawton Public Library 580-581-3450

maintains a flood reference section with local, state and federal flood publications

Property Protection

Protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the building to installing protective devices.

Advanced Planning for Building in a Floodplain

The best way to protect you property is to gather plenty of information for advanced planning. If you are building for the first time in the floodplain, the surest way to protect property and minimize damage to your building is to build your structure above the elevation of the 100-year flood and strictly follow local ordinances regarding building in the floodplain. To determine your flood risk, visit the FloodSmart Website.

Reinforce an Existing Structure to Minimize Damage

Older properties that are already situated in a special flood hazard area require more consideration for flood protection. One way to minimize damage is to eliminate any enclosed habitable spaces at ground level, remove any non-water resistant materials below base flood elevation, move any mechanical and electrical equipment below base flood elevation (BFE) to a higher location in the building and structurally reinforce the foundation.

Raise Entire Structure to a Safe Elevation

In some circumstances when the building is built on a concrete slab at grade, the structure can best be protected by raising the entire structure to base flood elevation and building a new foundation that meets current flood protection standards.

Get Flood Insurance

Homeowner's insurance does not cover damages caused by flooding. It is recommended that people who live near or in a floodplain purchase flood insurance, even if it is not mandated by your home mortgage company. Every year, 25% of flood damages occur on properties outside of the floodplain. Flood insurance is available to everyone in Lawton even if you do not live in a floodplain.

Flood Public Service Announcements

Flood service announcements and what they mean.

Pre-Flood

Heavy rain is predicted for today. Heavy rain can cause flooding, so it is important that residents are prepared. The City of Lawton reminds residents to be prepared:

Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight, water and AM/FM battery operated radio.
Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
Shelter in place.
Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for instructions.

Citizens with specific questions can contact the Stormwater Division at (580) 581-3478. If there is an emergency, call 911.

During A Flood

Lawton is experiencing heavy rainfall that could cause flooding. The City of Lawton reminds residents to:

Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight, water and AM/FM battery operated radio.
Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
Report storm-related flooding and property damage by calling (580) 581-3478. Provide contact name, address, telephone number and severity of damage. City personnel will respond as soon as possible.
Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for instructions.

If there is an emergency, call 911.

Post-Flood

Lawton experienced heavy rainfall that could have caused flooding. The City of Lawton reminds residents to:

Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding.
Do not drive into standing water. Turn around don’t drown.
Report storm-related flooding and property damage by calling (580) 581-3478. Provide contact name, address, telephone number and severity of damage. City personnel will respond as soon as possible.
Do not enter a flooded structure until it has been cleared by an inspector.
Repairs may require a permit. Contact License and Permits (580) 581-3360.
If the damage that exceeds 50% of the value of the structure, the structure must be brought into compliance with floodplain regulations.

Citizens may contact the Stormwater Division with specific questions at (580) 581-3478. If there is an emergency, call 911

Stormwater and Floodplain Regulations and Resources