North Charleston, September 9, 2025
News Summary
North Charleston has achieved a Class 5 rating from FEMA in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System, allowing homeowners a 25% discount on insurance premiums. This upgrade was recognized following a comprehensive five-year verification process, positioning the city among the top communities in South Carolina for flood risk management. Mayor Reggie Burgess emphasized the financial relief for residents, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance flood resilience through improved stormwater management, public education, and stricter building codes.
North Charleston has achieved a significant milestone by securing a Class 5 rating from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. This upgrade, which was confirmed after a comprehensive five-year verification process, positions North Charleston among the highest-regarded communities in South Carolina for flood risk management. As a result, homeowners in the area will enjoy a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums starting October 1, an increase from the previous 15% discount.
Mayor Reggie Burgess highlighted the financial relief this new rating provides for residents, reinforcing the city’s commitment to enhancing flood resilience. With this rating, North Charleston now stands alongside only two other communities in South Carolina with higher classifications: Charleston County, which holds a Class 2 rating with a 40% discount, and Folly Beach, rated Class 3 with a 35% discount.
North Charleston’s achievement is notable, as it ranks among a dozen municipalities in the state that have attained a Class 5 rating, including Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville. The nearby cities of Charleston and Mount Pleasant have been designated a Class 6 rating.
The FEMA Community Rating System rewards communities that exceed minimum standards in floodplain management and hazard mitigation, focusing on improving community resilience against flooding. North Charleston’s upgraded rating is a result of various improvements in stormwater management, enhanced public education on flood risks, and the implementation of stricter building codes. According to Toyah Smith, the city’s floodplain manager, new constructions in flood-prone areas are now required to be elevated two feet above FEMA standards.
Over the past five years, North Charleston identified around 20 actions across four key categories to boost their resilience. These categories included public information, mapping, regulation, flood damage reduction, and warning/response systems. Initiatives aimed at engaging the community, such as providing online flood zone maps and disseminating information about approaching storms, played a critical role in this process.
The city’s ongoing effort is also part of its comprehensive plan, termed PRIME North Charleston, which was adopted on August 28. This plan incorporated resiliency goals that aligned with state law and targeted an improved FEMA community rating of either Class 4 or 5. Accomplished actions to achieve this included utilizing Charleston County Greenbelt funds to acquire properties situated in flood-prone zones.
Moreover, North Charleston continues to pursue funding opportunities necessary to rebuild or relocate properties that have been vulnerable to recurrent flooding. Recent flooding incidents due to severe weather serve as a stark reminder of the community’s need for robust flood risk management.
Conclusion
With the recent upgrade to a Class 5 rating under FEMA’s national program, North Charleston is taking proactive steps to safeguard its residents from flood risks while offering notable financial relief through insurance discounts. The city’s strategic plans and community engagement efforts reflect its commitment to building a resilient future for all its citizens.
FAQ Section
What is FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System?
The Community Rating System is a FEMA program that rewards communities for implementing flood risk management practices that exceed minimum requirements, providing insurance discounts to residents based on their community’s rating.
How much will residents save on flood insurance premiums?
Starting October 1, residents of North Charleston will receive a 25% discount on their flood insurance premiums, an increase from the previous 15% discount.
What factors contributed to North Charleston’s new rating?
North Charleston’s improved Class 5 rating resulted from enhancements in stormwater management, public education on flood risks, stronger building codes, and various community engagement initiatives.
What other communities have higher FEMA ratings in South Carolina?
Currently, only Charleston County (Class 2) and Folly Beach (Class 3) have higher FEMA ratings than North Charleston’s Class 5.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| FEMA Community Rating | Class 5 rating achieved after five years of verification. |
| Flood Insurance Discount | Residents will receive a 25% discount on premiums starting October 1. |
| Comparative Ratings | Only two communities in SC have higher ratings (Class 2 and Class 3). |
| Key Improvements | Enhanced stormwater management, public education, stronger building codes. |
| Community Engagement | Initiatives include providing online flood zone maps and storm information. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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North Carolina Faces Power Restoration Challenges Following Hurricane Helene
Power Restoration Efforts Underway in the Carolinas
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Flood Insurance FEMA North Charleston
- Wikipedia: Flood Insurance
- Count on 2: Heavy Rain Prompts Flash Flood Warning
- Google Search: Charleston Flash Flood Warning
- ABC News 4: NWS Charleston Flash Flood Warning Criteria
- Google Scholar: Flash Floods Charleston
- Newsweek: Urgent Flash Flood Warning Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Flood
- Live 5 News: Charleston Co Leaders Discuss Hazard Vulnerability
- Google News: Charleston Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
