Short answer: Durham County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Durham tracts.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Durham area (Durham County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Durham County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Durham County
Open FEMA's National Risk Index and the Durham County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Durham County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 10 major disaster declarations that included Durham County since 1989, led by hurricane events (4), severe storm events (2) and tropical depression events (1). The most recent: Tropical Depression Chantal, 2025, Hurricane Florence, 2018, Hurricane Isabel, 2003 and Severe Ice Storm, 2002. FEMA also lists 13 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
Permits for almost anything in a Durham floodplain
Durham regulates floodplains under the Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards in its Unified Development Ordinance. The city says any activity that disturbs land in a FEMA-mapped floodplain needs a floodplain development permit. That covers fences, signposts and trails as well as buildings. Above-ground pools, sheds and picnic tables need permits too, so they can be anchored and won't float off in a flood. Whether you can renovate depends on where the building sits, whether its floor is above the required elevation, and how the cost compares with the building's value.
Getting a determination
For a floodplain determination on a property you own or are thinking of buying, email the Planning & Development floodplain group at [email protected] with the address and a description of your request. Anyone who owns or rents in Durham can buy flood insurance through the NFIP. Stream buffers and watershed protection overlays near drinking-water reservoirs can limit what you build even outside the floodplain.
Residual market: NCJUA
The North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association is the FAIR Plan for Durham and other areas outside the beach territory.
Auto: North Carolina 50/100/50
For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, North Carolina's minimum liability is $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 (NCDOI; NCDMV).
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions
Which residual plan serves Durham?
NCJUA, the inland FAIR Plan.
What auto liability does North Carolina require now?
50/100/50 for policies issued or renewed since July 1, 2025.
Does a Durham homeowners policy cover flood?
No; flood needs a separate policy.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.