How to Build a House Near Wetlands

Building a house near wetlands can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that provide many benefits, but they also pose some risks. If you're planning to build a home near wetlands, it's important to do your research and take the necessary precautions to protect the environment and your property.

Here are some tips for building a house near wetlands:

1. Choose a site that is not in a flood zone. This is the most important factor to consider when building near wetlands. Flood zones are areas that have a high risk of flooding, and building in these areas can be dangerous and costly.

2. Elevate your home. If you do choose to build in a flood zone, you will need to elevate your home so that it is above the base flood elevation (BFE). The BFE is the highest level that floodwaters are expected to reach during a 100-year flood. It should also be 1-2 feet above the 100-year flood elevation (FE100), as an excess of one foot is recommended by flood regulations set by the FEMA.

3. Use flood-resistant materials. When building your home, use materials that are resistant to water damage, such as concrete, steel, or treated wood.

4. Install flood vents. Flood vents allow water to flow into and out of your home during a flood, which can help to reduce damage.

5. Get flood insurance. Flood insurance can help to protect you from the financial losses that can occur as a result of flooding.

6. Create a landscaping plan that is native to the area. Many plant species native to wetlands have roots that can help bind the soil and prevent erosion. This can help to protect your home from flood damage.

7. Minimize your impact on the wetlands. When building your home, take steps to minimize your impact on the wetlands. This includes avoiding clearing vegetation, disturbing the soil, or depositing pollutants into the water.

By following these tips, you can help to protect the environment and your property when building a house near wetlands.

Additional resources:

* [Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Flood Mapping Service Center](https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home)

* [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: National Wetlands Inventory](https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html)

* [National Audubon Society: Coastal Resilience](https://www.audubon.org/protect/our-coast/coastal-resilience)