WHAT FLOOD ZONES APPLY IN DARE COUNTY?

AE—zone that corresponds to the 1% annual chance floodplains, base flood elevations established, flood insurance required if associated with federally-insured mortgage.  AE zones are the base floodplain with a base flood elevation expressed as a number such as AE-4.  These are the most common flood zone in Dare County.

AO-zone that corresponds to the areas of 1% annual chance shallow flooding (usually sheet flow on sloping terrain) with average depths of 1 and 3, elevation required based on flood depth, flood insurance required if associated with federally-insured mortgage.

AH – zone that corresponds to the areas of 1% annual chance shallow flooding (usually ponding) where average depths are between 1 and 3 feet, base flood elevations established, flood insurance required if associated with federally-insured mortgage.   

VE-  zone that corresponds to the 12% annual chance coastal floodplains that have additional hazards associated with storm waves, base flood elevations established,   flood insurance required  if associated with federally-insured mortgage.

Shaded X - zone that corresponds to the 0.2% annual chance for flood and represents the areas of moderate flood hazard shown on the FIRM and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2% annual chance for flood.   Commonly referred to as the 500-year flood.  No flood insurance required.

X or unshaded X –zone that corresponds to elevations that are higher than the 0.2% annul flood chance and represents the areas of minimal flood hazard and are areas outside of the Special Flood Hazard Areas or outside of the flood zone.   No flood insurance is required.