All floodplain development requires a local permit. For floodplain determinations and permitting information, please contact the Neighborhood Resources Center (NRC) at (913) 573-8600. Please contact the Floodplain Administrator at (913) 573-5200 for questions regarding permit applications and statuses.
Not sure if your property is in a floodplain? Check out the map below for more information:
Know Your Hazard
Wyandotte County is subject to flooding from the Kansas River, Missouri River, Turkey Creek, Brenner Heights Creek, Jersey Creek, and other channels and streams. As a highly urbanized area, portion of the community may also experience flooding from storm water runoff. The local floodplain administrator can tell you if you are in or near a regulated floodway, or in an area known for repetitive flooding.'
BUILD RESPONSIBLY
New construction, substantial improvement or substantial damage of structures requires the lowest floor, including basement, be elevated a minimum of 18 inches above base flood elevation. Substantial improvement or substantial damage is applied when the combined total of improvements or repairs made to the structure in the calendar year exceeds 50 percent of the structure’s market value.
View the Unified Government’s full Floodplain Ordinance for restrictions and requirements for building within the floodplain and floodway.
Protect Natural Floodplain Functions
The preservation of open space is the most effective practice for avoiding flood damage. In Wyandotte County, preservation and restoration of natural banks along the Kansas River, Missouri River, Turkey Creek and smaller channels are key components of local floodplain management. Wyandotte County requires a floodplain development permit for all work to be done within the regulated Special Flood Hazard Area; A zones; and floodway. Private property owners can do their part to maintain natural floodplain functions by working to preserve drainage ways, natural channels, ditches and open space on their property. Additional information on the importance of maintaining floodplains can be found at: Protecting Floodplain Resources.
Wyandotte County Lake is within a floodplain. The park and recreation use support the natural floodplain functions and provides sanction to wildlife. Lake regulations can be found at Fishing & Boating – Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City (wycokck.org). Canada Goose, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, American Coot, Osprey, Blue Jays, America Crow, and Dark-eyed Junco are some of the bird species that can be observed at Wyandotte County Lake. The Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagel Library and Environmental Learning Center at Wyandotte County Lake is a partnership between the Kansas City Public Library, USD 500, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Department.