The National Flood Protection Program is something that is
available to property owners however a number of steps are needed before flood
insurance is available. Jurisdictions
need to take some steps to comply with the rules to make this happen. The process of mapping was accomplished by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which has recently been reviewed
and updated. With this update the city
can now take the next steps in moving the process along. The first step was taken as an indication of
intent accomplished by the city council with the adoption of a resolution
acknowledging the requirements and recognizing the goals of the program. The goals generally involve the restriction
of building or expansion of buildings to prevent flood damage.
The mapping shows the areas that could be prone to flooding.
It also recognizes an elevation in which
all structures in these flood prone areas must achieve. No structures can be built or expanded if the
elevation is or will be below the required elevation. We have a few areas with structures along
Pelican and Ossawinnamakee Lakes that could fall within this area.
The next step in the process is to adopt an ordinance that
makes these requirements part of the city code.
A sample ordinance has been provided but we have some leeway in
modifying this to fit our needs. The
draft ordinance needs review and approval by the DNR prior to enactment. They need to make sure what is to be accomplished
meets the requirements of the program. We
have conditional approval from them to move forward. This ordinance will be added to the zoning
code. A public hearing will be held at
the August Planning Commission meeting.
Upon their recommendation it will be forwarded to the City Council for
their action.
Following the enactment of the ordinance the city would be
bound to the restrictions that are imposed for building in flood prone areas. It will also allow property owners to acquire
flood insurance from the federal program, whether or not the property is in the
floodway.
