Marion County Oregon - Floodplain Program

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Marion County Floodplain Program

Along with the Willamette River, Marion County has many streams and rivers that are subject to flooding.  Under certain conditions, such as the storm events that occurred from December 1996 through February 1997, rain and melting snow cause these streams and rivers to overflow their banks.

As you can see from these pictures, homes and property suffered significant damage:

Willamette River south of Salem
City of Keizer
Willamette River and the Independence Bridge area
Pudding River

The purpose of Marion County's Floodplain Program is to promote public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public and private losses due to flood conditions. To benefit our citizens, the County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which makes federally-backed flood insurance available for eligible buildings, whether they are in the floodplain or not. Generally speaking, a floodplain is level land that may be submerged by floodwaters or a plain built up by stream deposits.

The County's flood management practices and participation in the Community Rating System of the NFIP bring many benefits to County residents, including a savings of up to 20% on flood insurance premiums. Flood insurance covers direct losses caused by surface flooding, including a river or lake flowing over its banks and local drainage problems. See below for more information.

The Marion County Planning Division provides information on a variety of flood-related issues. Staff can tell you if a property is in a flood hazard area, and provide copies of elevation certificates (if applicable), regulations for development in the floodplain, and additional flood insurance data.

Floodplain Elevation Certificates - a list of FEMA elevation certificates (by address) submitted since 1979 for construction in the Marion County Special Flood Hazard Areas. Please note this does not include property inside any city within Marion County.

"Important Information for People Living In or Near Floodplains" - Useful information on recent flood events, causes of flooding in Marion County, flood insurance, flood safety tips, and a list of contacts.

"Purchasing Flood Insurance" - a handy reference guide on flood insurance requirements and procedures including obtaining insurance if your property is not in a designated flood area and a list of information the Planning Division provides.

"Information About Flood Insurance" - brochure produced by the Planning Division with general information on flood insurance and how it works, mandatory purchase requirements, and purchasing flood insurance when your property is not in a floodplain.

National Flood Insurance Program brochures by FEMA

"Your homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods..."

"Top Ten Facts for Consumers"

"The Benefits of Flood Insurance Versus Disaster Assistance"

Important Links

FEMA (homepage)

FEMA Information for Property Owners/Renters

FEMA Map Service Center

Red Cross Disaster Preparedness

Marion County Emergency Management

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