Lake County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available for all buildings, whether they are in a floodplain or not. As part of the County's participation, it was required to adopt regulations to minimize future flood damages. These regulations are included as Chapter 25 of the County Code, Floodplain Management.
Lake County regulates construction and development in the floodplain to ensure that new buildings will be protected from flood damage. New buildings and additions are required to be resistant to flood damage, including using flood resistant materials, floodproofing utilities and elevating floors above flood levels. Filling and similar projects are prohibited in certain areas. Guidelines describing these requirements have been developed for Buildings (PDF) and Manufactured Homes (PDF) which are constructed in the floodplain.
Another rule requires houses substantially damaged by fire, flood, or any other cause, to be elevated above the flood level when they are repaired.
Additional information is available from FEMA regarding the NFIP.