Question about building a deck in a 100-year flood plain (Raleigh: home, construction)

[lovebrentwood]

Not if the building inspector approves it and the flood insurance isn't outrageous.

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

Those are two very very big issues.

[SteelersGirl36]

Well, we submitted our plans and the town initially said no. Based on the 8x11 plot that we drew our deck structure. My husband went to the people who surveyed our land and got the original drawing to scale - I guess the 8x11 sheet was not 100% accurate. The deck builder came back out and remeasured for us and it looks like we might actually clear the flood plain! Woo hoo... we just resubmitted and should hear back in a few days. I was shocked that the town denied our plan without even coming out to measure. It's always a good idea to double check! Fingers crossed! I'll repost when I hear back!

[lynnhayes]

Usually the municipalities are more concerned with impervious surface like patios, driveways, foundations, etc. It's usually the lender that requires flood insurance, not the municipalities so if you can get the permit, and you don't need a mortgage to build the deck, you would probably be ok.

[SteelersGirl36]

Well... we just found out yesterday the town approved our re-submitted fence and deck plan!!! Yippee!! They start on Friday and I'll post pictures once it's done!!

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by SteelersGirl36

Well... we just found out yesterday the town approved our re-submitted fence and deck plan!!! Yippee!! They start on Friday and I'll post pictures once it's done!!

Congratulations!
And thanks for the follow up. It is always interesting to learn how things work out for folks who come to the forum with questions.

[SteelersGirl36]

Oh my goodness...this is never-ending! So the town of Holly Springs declared it's too wet to secure the footings for the deck. I understand, so we just have to wait for things to dry out. We did not get a land survey when we closed on the house (we weren't planning on building a fencd/deck at the time) and when the deck builder measured to make sure the "pins" were accurate he ran into an issue. He thinks our side lot acutally runs quite a few feet into what our neighbors think is their yard. (Bill, if you are reading this...it's the other neighbor!).

So now I'm assuming we get a professional land survey (there goes another $350!). If we were talking only 12 inches I wouldn't care but a few feet will make a difference. Any suggestions from the city-data family out there? Should we approach the builder first or get the survey. Our 1 year warranty just ran out but the builder is still around in the neighborhood. Any suggestions are helpful! Thank you!

[CHTransplant]

Always, always, always get a survey when buying property. Never rely on visual or assumed boundaries. $350 would be a good investment regardless of your deck/neighbor issues.

[SteelersGirl36]

Update! So we had a land surveyor come out today and our lot is acutally about 6 feet wider than we thought! Luckily the neighbors were great about it but they have to dig up their baby cyprus tree. Hopefully our yard will dry out soon so they can start building!!

[SunnyKayak]

Install some pier bouys just in case
http://www.cindysworks.com/images/hawks_buoys.gif

[zinner]

Originally Posted by lovebrentwood

Not if the building inspector approves it and the flood insurance isn't outrageous.

Just curious why would you insure just your deck against floods? Or you are saying if you build in the flood plane you need insurance as part of some requirement?