On this page
Lincoln’s Building and Safety department requires a floodplain development permit for grading, filling or building in mapped floodplains. For homeowners, the paperwork from that process can be valuable when shopping for flood insurance.
What the permit form describes
The city’s floodplain development permit form describes plans with elevations, a lowest floor (including basement) at least one foot above base flood elevation for new or substantially improved homes, and certification of the as-built lowest floor elevation. Verify the current version on the floodplain information page.
Why the as-built certification matters
If a home went through this process, there may be a surveyor’s or engineer’s certification of its lowest floor elevation on file. Flood insurers often use elevation information. Ask Building and Safety whether records exist for your address before ordering a new survey.
Substantial improvement
Large remodels or repairs in a floodplain can trigger elevation requirements. If you are planning a major renovation, ask the city first; it affects cost and may relate to ordinance or law coverage after a loss.
Homeowners vs. flood coverage
| Issue | Typical policy |
|---|---|
| River or creek flooding | Separate flood policy |
| Sewer backing into basement | Water backup endorsement, if offered |
| Hail on the roof | Homeowners policy, subject to deductible |
The city’s floodplain brochure and permit applications page give more background. We do not determine whether any property is in a floodplain.
Next step
See the Nebraska guide and our Omaha and Bellevue pages. Then call for a free quote. HomeInsurerQuotes.org connects callers with a licensed insurance agent; carriers, pricing and eligibility vary, and not all callers qualify.
By phone
What happens when you call
A conversation lets the agent ask about your specific home instead of relying on a generic online estimate. There are no online forms to fill out.
Describe your home
Share the address, size, age, construction, and roof or system updates. You do not need every detail to start.
Talk through coverage
Explain what you want covered and ask about limits, deductibles, and exclusions that apply to your property.
Compare and decide
Ask for the written quote terms and compare them before deciding. A call or a quote does not start coverage.
Free Home Insurance Quote
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We work with local licensed home insurance agents and connect your call with an agent.
Sources and how this page was checked
Page updatedThis page is general information written from the public sources below. It has not been reviewed by an insurance company, attorney or licensed agent for your situation. Your policy form, endorsements, insurer and state rules decide what is covered.
Sources
- NAIC — Homeowners insurance consumer informationRetrieved and reviewed October 14, 2026 for general consumer information. The page did not verify the specific HO-3/HO-5 form mapping and is not cited for that distinction.
- City of Lincoln — Floodplain InformationChecked 2026-10-19: Web search on October 19, 2026 cited this official Building and Safety page on floodplain development. Direct retrieval was blocked by a private-address network restriction.
- City of Lincoln — Flood Plain Development Permit (PDF)Checked 2026-10-19: Web search on October 19, 2026 cited this permit form; excerpts describe plans showing elevations, lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation for new or substantially improved homes, and certification of as-built lowest floor elevation. The form's current edition and legal effect were not verified.
- City of Lincoln — Permit ApplicationsChecked 2026-10-19: Web search on October 19, 2026 cited this applications page.
- City of Lincoln — Floodplain Brochure (PDF)Checked 2026-10-19: Web search on October 19, 2026 cited this watershed management brochure; not opened directly.
Before you rely on this page
- Read your declarations page, policy form and every endorsement; they control over any summary.
- Ask the insurer or agent to confirm limits, deductibles and exclusions in writing before you buy or cancel coverage.
- For state rules, deadlines or complaints, check your state insurance department directly.