Floodplain Management

Keeping You Safe

The City of Callaway can be susceptible to flood hazards associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, and rainfall with high intensity and duration. Much of the residential development in the city has occurred along the coastal areas, including East Bay and Callaway Bayou. As a result, these hazards have the potential to impact the safety of the general population and their property.

The city has taken a number of measures to plan for such hazards, including participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS). The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in these communities; and the CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. City of Callaway CRS Progress Report 2022

2009 Flood Insurance Rates / Floodplain Updates

The City Commission updated the Floodplain Management Regulations with the adoption of Ordinance No. 883 on May 26, 2009. This ordinance updated Floodplain Management Regulations to comply with the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations and the requirements of the NFIP, and formally adopted the 2009 Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM).

In addition, the city, in cooperation with Bay County and other municipalities, use the Bay County Local Mitigation Plan as a hazard mitigation strategy for floodplain management and disaster response purposes.

Elevation Certificates

Elevation Certificates are maintained for buildings constructed in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Elevation Certificates may be available upon request by contacting the Planning Department.

Flood Warning Systems

Bay County Emergency Operations Center, the National Weather Service, and the National Hurricane Center help to monitor flood and storm threats and advise the community accordingly. Potential flood alerts are issued over local radio and television stations, Alert Bay, our website at cityofcallaway.com and over NOAA weather alert radio frequency FM-162.550 MHZ. If you would like to sign up for alerts about emergencies and other important community news, visit alertbay.org.

Additional Information

Loss of life and property to flooding is the most common, yet preventable, natural disaster in the United States. The following coloring book has been created to increase the understanding of flooding and flood safety for students, educators, and others.

To understand more about which flood zone(s) your property is located in, whether you are located in the Coastal High Hazard Area, or which Hurricane Evacuation Zone applies to your property, please visit the our City Maps page, or call the Planning Department at (850) 871-1033 for further information.