Many land areas are subject to periodic flooding and these areas generally have practical or regulatory restrictions for development. Areas that have historically been flooded from time to time have soils or indicators in the soil that support this natural occurrence. Soil scientists can evaluate soil characteristics and determine if an area has flood hazard soils or soils that have formed from alluvial material deposits. These soils can then be delineated in the field for accurate location on a site plan.
In many areas upstream development and increased impervious surfaces will lead to more drastic flooding than the soils indicate.
If you suspect and area may be subject to flooding, contact a soil scientist, engineer or surveyor for help with this determination.