10/15/2026
Important permit information for those affected by the flooding.
PERMIT UPDATE FOR FLOOD-DAMAGED PROPERTIES
We have been working with the Franklin County Area Plan Commission and Building Department to gather and share the most current information available about the permitting process for flood-damaged properties.
We now have a clearer process for residential properties determined to have NON-SUBSTANTIAL damage of less than 50%.
If your damage determination is LESS THAN 40%, you will need:
1. Paper permit application
2. Letter of Determination, if you have it
3. Scope of work
4. Owner affidavit
***If your damage determination is under 40%, you do NOT need an estimate.***
If your damage determination is 40% TO LESS THAN 50%, you will need:
1. Paper permit application
2. Letter of Determination, if you have it
3. Scope of work
4. Contractor’s estimate
5. Owner affidavit
6. Contractor affidavit, if a contractor will be completing the work
A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES:
* The property owner must sign the permit application.
* If an estimate is required and you are preparing your own, it must be itemized.
* If donated materials will be used, include an estimated value for those materials.
* If volunteer labor will be used, include an estimated hourly wage/value for that labor.
WHAT IF YOUR HOME WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE?
Those situations are not included in the less-than-50% permitting process outlined above. We are still seeking additional guidance for those property owners, and we will share it as soon as it is confirmed.
NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS?
The Franklin County Building Department will be at the Laurel Community Center:
Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Staff will be available to accept permit applications, review documents, and answer questions about the process.
Regular Building Department hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
NOT SURE WHAT YOUR DAMAGE PERCENTAGE IS?
If you are unsure of your damage determination or confused about the letter you received, the Franklin County Long Term Recovery Group (FC LTRG) will have damage percentages available when volunteers begin going door to door with information packets. Residents can also call the Franklin County Flood Plain Administrator at (765) 647-5731.
Once you have your required documents together, take them to the Building Department and review them with staff. If you include everything required, staff can issue the permit. If something is missing, staff will let you know what you still need to provide.
DOOR-TO-DOOR INFORMATION PACKETS
FC LTRG is preparing to deliver door-to-door information packets to affected residents.
•Packet 1 will be regarding permitting.
•Packet 2 will focus on how to request assistance for unmet needs from the Long Term Recovery Group for rebuilding or other recovery needs.
We will begin delivering packets to Laurel today, Oct. 15, and to Metamora on Friday, Oct. 16.
This information applies to affected residential properties. Guidance for commercial properties is different, and additional information on that process is still being developed.
For general LTRG questions or assistance, email [email protected].
PLEASE SHARE WITH FLOOD-AFFECTED RESIDENTS!
