Flooding Grant and Loan Resources - PDF/Print Version

What is a floodplain?

A floodplain is an area of low-lying ground, that may be adjacent to a river or water body, and is subject to flooding. 

Local floodplain regulations usually refer to mapped or designated floodplains and reference specific floodplain maps. Mapped floodplains are generally the portion of the floodplain that have a 1% chance of flooding annually. These areas are also referenced as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or the Regulated Flood Hazard Area (RFHA). 

Floodplain Maps: Are you in a Mapped Floodplain? 

FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer

Mapped floodplains are used to identify flood risk and the jurisdictional areas for floodplain regulations. Your local floodplain administrator is available to talk with you about the mapped floodplain in your area. Mapped floodplains can be viewed online with FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer visual tool. If you are unsure whether you are in the mapped floodplain, or how to proceed with submitting a floodplain permit, start by having a conversation with your local floodplain administrator.

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established to reduce flood losses, offer flood insurance, minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health, and welfare and to restore and preserve the natural beneficial functions of floodplains. The NFIP is a voluntary program that is between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the local community. 

NFIP-participating communities have adopted local floodplain regulations that meet both the federal and state floodplain requirements and standards. The program is administered at the local level. All new development and permitting goes through the local floodplain administrators. 

• Montana National Flood Insurance Program Quick Guide: This is a beneficial resource and helps citizens understand why and how Montana communities must manage development in floodplains to protect people and properties.

Floodplain permitting is handled at the local level. See below for information on the permitting process and local contacts. Property owners should reach out to their community's local floodplain administrator before performing any work in a mapped floodplain. Use FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer to see if your property is in a mapped floodplain.

Floodplain Permitting Forms and Guides

1. Montana Joint Application for Stream Permitting (PDF-version available here) and Form Instructions: Most communities use the Joint Application for floodplain permit application submittals. The Joint Application is a standardized application that property owners can use to apply for numerous development work in and around streams and floodplains. The Instructions provide comprehensive guidance on what sections are relevant based on the type and location of work proposed. 
2. Submittal Requirements for Floodplain Permit Applications: If working in the floodplain, additional information may be required. This is a helpful guide to the additional requirements that you may need to meet when submitting a floodplain permit to your community. 

Local Contacts: Find Information about Floodplain Permitting in your Community

Below are the points of contact for property owners to connect with their local floodplain managers. These local contacts can help guide property owners through the permitting process.

• List of all Montana Local Floodplain Administrators
• Floodplain Administrators in Flood-Affected Communities:

• Joint Application (Fillable Word Doc): http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/conservation-districts/the-310-law/JointApplicationFinal2.docx 
• Joint Application (PDF Doc): http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/conservation-districts/the-310-law/copy_of_JointApplicationFinal.pdf
• Joint Application Directions: http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/conservation-districts/the-310-law/copy_of_JointApplicationDirectionFinal.pdf
• Conservation District Directory: CD Contact Directory | Montana Association of Conservation Districts (macdnet.org)

• 644 Notice of Replacement Point of Diversion (Revised 12-2016): For a replacement point of diversion on a surface water source.
• Waiver Form: For water right holders with intervening points of diversion.

• Well Flooding Guidance: https://wellowner.org/resources/water-quality/well-flooding/ [wellowner.org]
• Water Analysis Labs: https://waterquality.montana.edu/well-ed/testing/certifiedlabs.html [waterquality.montana.edu]
• Contact Person for Well Flooding Questions: Arthur Robinson, Montana Board of Water Well Contractors Program Manager, (406) 444-6643

Replacement Well Notice (Form 634)

The DNRC will waive fee ($100) for flooding areas in 2022 where wells were damaged beyond repair or are being abandoned and replaced due to flooding. Applicants must meet all requirements of the form (including well abandonment) to be able to file. Replacement wells must be completed during the 2022 calendar year in order for the filing fee to be waived.

Forms and Contacts

• 634 Replacement Well Notice Form: For municipal wells that do not exceed 450 gpm or for all wells that do not exceed 35 gpm and 10 acre-feet per year.
• Non-Filed Water Project Addendum
• Contact your local Regional Water Office for further assistance with forms.