Ongoing

Storm Water Services has purchased more than 200 flood-prone structures that were in the floodplain. These buildings were in more than a dozen neighborhoods along various creeks. For a list of properties purchased through this program, Buyout Summary Address List. 

Because of the buyouts, more than 400 families have been moved out of local floodplains. Money for the buyouts comes from a combination of federal, state and local funds.  Property purchased by Storm Water Services through the Hazard Mitigation Program must meet criteria set by the federal and/or state governments.  

Buildings purchased through the Buyout Program are demolished or relocated.  The floodplain is then restored to a natural state to store and filter excess rainfall and storm water runoff. 

Demolition of flood-prone house

The 2008 Quick Buy removed 37 homes from local floodplains.

Storm Water Services plans to continue buying eligible structures as funding is available. 
Floodplain Buyout Program Brochure 

Sometimes, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police or Charlotte Fire Department crews conduct training exercises at buildings that have been acquired through the Floodplain Buyout Program.

For more information about the Floodplain Buyout Program, contact Flood Mitigation Project Manager Robert Billings at 704-432-0907.