Being a low-lying, barrier Island, Sullivan's Island vulnerable to flooding. Whether it is heavy rains or storm surge, the Town is here to assist you with your planning and mitigation.

Flood hazard areas are areas located within the 100-year floodplain, which are defined as any area that has a one (1%) percent chance of flooding in any given year. Smaller scale floods (50-year and 10-year) have a greater chance of occurring in any year and can pose a significant flood hazard to people and property close to the ocean, sound, drainage channels and streams.  Floods larger than the 100-year event can also occur.  

The first thing you should do is check your flood hazard designation. The entirety of Sullivan's Island is considered to be located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), also known as a Flood Zone. Maps and flood protection references are available for review at the Edgar Allan Poe Library. You may also visit the Building Department, located within Town Hall, to see where your property is located in the mapped floodplain. The Town maintains elevation certificates for new and substantially improved structures in the flood zone since 1977.

If you need assistance in determining your home's flood risk or need help with finding an elevation certificate, flood zone or other flood related information contact Floodplain Manager, Max Wurthmann at 843-883-5732 or mwurthmann@sullivansisland.sc.gov. 

The Building Official is available for free site visits to your property to help you identify problem areas and give you tips on preventing flood damage. To request a site visit please call the Building Official directly at 843-883-5732. 

Floodplain Management Information

We encourage you to educate yourself by reviewing the information below. 

• Elevation Certificates
• Emergency Evacuation
• Emergency Preparedness
• Flood Insurance
• Flood Safety Tips
• Flood Zone Designation (Is your property in a flood zone?)
• Functions of a Floodplain (local conditions, natural and beneficial functions of a flood plain.)
• Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Sullivan's Island Permit Requirements
• Local Flood Hazards
• Maps and Links
• Additional Mapping Services
• National Flood Insurance Program & NFIP Community Rating System
• Property Protection Measures and Drainage Management
• Substantial Improvements
• Town of Sullivan's Island Storm Warning Systems

Additional Documentation

• A Homeowner's Guide to Flood Protection (PDF)
• Earthquakes: Are You Ready? (PDF)
• Flooding: Are You Prepared? (PDF) 
• Know Before You Buy: Flood Risk During Home Buying (PDF)
• Safeguarding Your Personal Property from Flooding (PDF)
• Staying Safe: A Guide for Visitors of Charleston (PDF)

Any information provided by the Town does not constitute an assurance or representation that flooding may or may not occur on your property during any given occurrence, but should generally assist you in determining the need for, and cost of, insurance, and in assessing the extent of flooding potential on your property.