Before any development activity can occur in a floodplain, a site plan must be submitted to the county and the developer must obtain a floodplain development permit and elevation certificate.
Floodplains are the low-lying areas adjacent to rivers that are naturally subject to flooding. They serve as important stormwater management control systems and help with water quality, stream bank protection, and wetland preservation.
Gaston County has many miles of beautiful creeks and rivers that make up the landscape of our county. Floodplains provide cultural, educational, recreational, and scenic values to our residents. Human development and industrialization take a toll on the natural functions of our floodplains and can cause a decrease in water quality, loss of wildlife animals, and an increase in severity and frequency of flood losses.