City of Haysville
Floodplain Management
Flood Hazard
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Although most areas of flooding occur to the north of the Wichita-Valley Center Floodway and along the Cowskin Creek, additional areas of concern in Haysville include the many retention/detention ponds throughout the city. Flash flooding is a common problem and can occur in areas that do not normally flood. One example of a significant flooding event is the Halloween Flood of 1998.
Most of the city is protected from flooding by the Wichita - Valley Center Floodway, now called the MS Mitch Mitchell Floodway. The floodplain mapping for the city shows the protected areas as having a “reduced flood risk due to levee”. If you want to understand more about levee protection you can go to FEMA’s Living with Levees webpage.
To find out if your property is in the mapped floodplain please go to the Kansas Floodplain Viewer or FEMA’s Map Service Center and enter your address. These maps can be used to assess the flood risk of a property. Buildings in a Zone A, AE, AO, and AH will be required flood insurance if there is a federally backed mortgage
You can monitor flooding on the Arkansas River by going to the National Weather Service webpage for the river gauge on the Arkansas River at E 83rd St South in Derby. The site provides predictions for flood crests and information on historic flood levels. The Halloween Flood of 1998 is the highest recorded flood at 16.6 ft. More recently on May 25, 2019, the river reached 15.53 ft.
Understanding Floodplain and Flood Risk
Floodplain: A floodplain is a flat area of land next to a river or stream, susceptible to flooding.
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Base Flood Elevation (BFE): The BFE is the elevation to which floodwaters are predicted to rise during a base flood (1% annual chance of flood). These are the numbers you will see on the floodplain mapping in a Zone AE.
Flood Insurance
If you do not have flood insurance, talk to your insurance agent. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. If you are building in a floodplain, the purchase of flood insurance is mandatory when financing through a federally regulated or insured bank for a loan. If your mortgage lender has purchased the policy talk to your insurance agent about whether you have contents coverage and about transferring the policy into your name. Policies often purchased by lenders are for building coverage only. This means in the event of a flood, there is no coverage for your contents.
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Due to our floodplain management programs, the City of Haysville is part of the National Floodplain Insurance Program (NFIP), and thus, residents can obtain discounted flood insurance. Currently, the City of Haysville participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System, and flood insurance premiums are discounted by 10%. Remember, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage becomes effective. Plan ahead; do not wait until a flood is predicted to purchase flood insurance. Additional information can be found on the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program website.
Floodplain Permit Requirements
Building responsibly is key to protecting the floodplain and our community. All development within a floodplain needs a permit (including construction, filling, excavation, fences, etc.).
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The City of Haysville requires Elevation Certificates to be completed using the FEMA 2023 form. (Download Instructions here).
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Plans and permit applications must be submitted and approved prior to beginning development. To obtain more information about elevation certificates and permits, contact the Planning Department at 316-529-5900.
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The City’s floodplain management ordinance provides guidance for new construction, substantial improvements and damages.
Substantial Improvements and Damages
Flood Safety
The following guidelines can help protect you from the dangers of flooding:
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Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around barriers. 2 feet of water can float a vehicle!
Turn around, Don't drown!!
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Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains as small people can easily be sucked into culverts. Individuals can also be injured by debris or contaminants that have been picked up by the flood waters.
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Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If you know you are going to be flooded, shut the power off at the service box. Electrical current can travel through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods.
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Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
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Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
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Clean everything that has been wet!! Due to contamination in floodwaters with sewage and other chemicals that pose a health threat, everything that has come in contact with floodwaters must be cleaned.
Find more flood safety and preparedness here: https://www.alarms.org/flood-survival-guide/
Protecting Your Property From Flooding
There are simple steps you can take to help reduce flooding damage:
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Seal walls – Applying watertight sealant to brick or block walls can help keep out low-level floodwater.
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Raise utilities – Move heating and air conditioning units, water heaters, and other major appliances to higher floors or onto raised platforms.
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Take quick action – Move furniture and valuables to upper floors and use sandbags to block water from entering doors and other openings.
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Long-term options – In some cases, raising or even relocating a home may be the best way to prevent future flood damage.
​To learn more read FEMA’s guide Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding.
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The Value of Floodplains
Floodplains do much more than hold water during a flood. When left in a natural state, they provide many benefits for both people and the environment, such as:
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Natural water filters – Floodplains help filter nutrients and improve water quality.
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Erosion control – They protect against soil loss and reduce damage from future flooding.
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Wildlife habitat – Floodplains and wetlands provide safe spaces for plants and animals.
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Open space and beauty – They offer scenic areas that people can enjoy.
Wetland
Haysville is home to a unique wetland area classified as PEM1Ch by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Cowardin classification system.
This type of wetland is:
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Non-tidal
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Filled with broad-leafed plants that remain standing through the growing season
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Affected by seasonal changes in water levels
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Home to beavers and other wildlife
Why It Matters to You
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Helps reduce flooding in neighborhoods by soaking up excess water.
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Protects homes and property by slowing down floodwaters.
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Supports clean water and healthy ecosystems.
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Provides beautiful spaces for outdoor enjoyment and community pride.
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