Flood Preparedness & Floodplain Mapping – Town of North Kingstown

The Town of North Kingstown is committed to helping residents and property owners prepare for flooding and coastal hazards. This page provides resources including FEMA flood maps, state mapping tools, and guidance on insurance, permitting, and community resilience.

Flood Preparedness

Flooding, fire, earthquakes, tornadoes, and windstorms affect thousands of people each year. It is important to understand your risks and prepare to protect yourself, your family, and your property. One of the first steps is to determine whether your property lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area. Maps at the bottom of this page can help you make that determination.

Flood risks exist everywhere, but are highest in low-lying areas, near water, behind levees, or downstream from dams. Even small streams, culverts, or dry beds can flood during heavy rain. Learn more about natural disasters and flood hazards.

Public Notice

2024-Flood-public-notice

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the Town of North Kingstown. Copies are available below, at the Planning Department (100 Fairway Drive), or through the RI Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) portal.

Copies

Paper and digital FIRMs are available at the Planning Department and Building Official’s Office. Staff can help locate properties on maps, provide past and current versions, and send digital map sections by email if needed.

Using the Maps

FIRMs provide details such as:

  • Panel number
  • Flood zone
  • Base flood elevation (BFE)
  • Coastal A zones, CBRS areas, and repetitive flood history

Staff can also access elevation certificates, wetland data, and other records through the Town’s GIS mapping system.

RIEMA Floodplain Mapping Tool

The  Rhode Island Floodplain Mapping Tool  is an online resource that shows flood risk for homes, businesses, and structures statewide.

While not intended for legal or engineering use, it provides approximate flood zone information and links to the  National Flood Insurance Program .

STORMTOOLS

STORMTOOLS provides high-resolution coastal flooding maps for Rhode Island. It models storm surge, sea level rise, and storm scenarios ranging from nuisance flooding to 500-year storms. Historical hurricanes (1938, Carol, Bob, Sandy) are also included.

STORMTOOLS for Beginners

Answers three key questions:

  1. Is my property vulnerable to storm surge?
  2. How deep could floodwaters be during a 100-year storm?
  3. Will projected sea level rise affect my property?

Advanced STORMTOOLS

Allows municipal officials, planners, and residents to explore a variety of flooding scenarios.

CRMC Coastal Hazard Application

The RI Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) requires a  Coastal Hazard Application  in addition to standard CRMC applications for projects in coastal areas. Details are available on the  CRMC Coastal Hazard Application webpage .

Projects that Require the Application

  • New residential, commercial, or industrial structures
  • Beach pavilions
  • New roadways or infrastructure projects
  • Subdivisions with six or more lots near shoreline features

Modifications to Existing Projects

  • Expansions over tidal waters
  • Expansions greater than 600 sq. ft. to existing buildings
  • Second-story additions over 600 sq. ft.
  • Modifications within CRMC setback areas

Community Rating System (CRS)

North Kingstown participates in FEMA’s CRS program, which requires annual recertification and periodic audits. Our most recent five-year audit is currently underway. The 2024 CRS submission packet is available upon request.

For assistance, contact the Planning Department at 401-268-1571, or visit FloodSmart.gov for guidance on flood maps.

Flood Insurance Study

The Washington County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) evaluates flood hazards and provides data for setting actuarial insurance rates. It also supports sound land use planning and compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

FIRM Panels

A full set of North Kingstown FIRM panels is available below and through the FEMA Map Service Center.