Flood Protection

How it works

The City of Lynchburg’s Flood Protection page is an informational resource for homeowners who want to reduce flood risk. It explains that taking action before a flood event is called mitigation and says there are a variety of flood mitigation options for both newly built homes and existing homes in flood-prone areas.

The page does not describe a formal application or approval process for a specific incentive program. Instead, it directs homeowners to learn what financial assistance may be available to help pay for mitigation measures.

What the money covers

The page lists the kinds of flood-mitigation work homeowners may consider:

• Structural elevation and/or relocation
• Basement infill
• Abandoning the lowest floor
• Elevating the lowest interior floor
• Installing flood openings
• Elevating building utilities
• Floodproofing building utilities
• Using flood damage-resistant materials
• Passive dry floodproofing systems
• Floodwalls with gates or without gates
• Levees with gates or without gates

The page also notes that some measures work automatically without human assistance and that some systems require sump pumps or backup emergency power to remove water that collects behind floodwalls or levees.

Timing and planning notes

Before applying any mitigation measures, the page says homeowners should:

• Check with the Community Development Department at 434-455-3900 before building on or altering property in the floodplain
• Consult a registered design professional such as an architect or engineer to determine which options may be best
• Contact an insurance agent to learn how flood insurance premiums may be affected
• Review linked guidance for more complete information about the methods

What the page does not state

• No named grant, rebate, or loan is identified
• No dollar amount or match percentage is stated
• No deadlines or open/close dates are provided