Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 3982, amending the City’s flood damage prevention regulations by amending Article II “Flood Damage Prevention”, Chapter 42 “Building Regulations” of the Code of Ordinances; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Public Works Department
BACKGROUND:
As part of the City’s broader initiative to strengthen flood resilience, enhance public safety, and reduce flood insurance costs for residents, the City has applied to participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). Participation in the CRS is a voluntary, nationally recognized program that rewards communities for exceeding minimum floodplain management standards through proactive planning and risk-reduction measures.
Regarding the City’s application, FEMA Region 6 and its technical contractors conducted a review of the City’s existing flood damage prevention ordinance. Based on that review, FEMA recommended targeted revisions, including updates to existing definitions, the addition of new definitions for clarity and consistency, and a requirement that mechanical facilities associated with new construction and substantial improvements be elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. FEMA requires adoption of these revisions as a condition of the City’s participation in the CRS Program. Participation in the CRS is intended to benefit the community by lowering flood insurance premiums for property owners, improving floodplain management practices, and strengthening the City’s long-term approach to flood risk mitigation.
DISCUSSION:
To advance this Citywide initiative, City staff, in coordination with the City Attorney, have prepared proposed amendments to the flood damage prevention ordinance that incorporate the revisions required by FEMA Region 6. In addition to addressing FEMA’s requirements, the City has taken this opportunity to review the ordinance more comprehensively and propose refinements that support consistent enforcement and clearer administration.
The proposed amendments are intended to improve overall clarity, streamline the permit and map revision process, clearly define violations, authorize the issuance of stop-work orders when necessary, and establish a penalty provision, which is not currently included in the ordinance. Collectively, these changes strengthen the City’s regulatory framework, support effective implementation of floodplain standards, and align the ordinance with best practices for flood risk management.
Adoption of the proposed ordinance amendments will position the City to meet FEMA requirements, participate in the CRS Program, and advance the City’s goals related to resilience, safety, and long-term community sustainability.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3982 as presented.
2. I move to approve Ordinance No. 3982 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance No. 3982