Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 01 23 Informational Item 502 Status of FEMA Flood Map COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 502 INFORMATIONAL January 23,2006 Meeting MGR / DEPT Authorization REQUEST: The Public Works Department / Stormwater Division is advising the City Commission on the status of the FEMA Flood Map Modernization Process PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide an update on the current progress of the FEMA Flood Map Modernization Process. FEMA FLOOD MAP MODERNIZATION BACKGROUND In support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), FEMA has undertaken an effort of flood hazard identification and mapping to update Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Seminole County and its incorporated cities. These maps are created to reflect the base flood event, defined as the flood having a I-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also referred to as the IOO-year flood). FEMA's Map Modernization entails providing flood maps and data for communities nationwide that are more accurate, easier-to-use, and readily available. FEMA has selected Seminole County and its incorporated cities to produce updated flood maps in digital format, and to provide users easier access to the flood hazard data. WHY MODERNIZE THE FEMA MAPS? . The existing flood maps for Seminole County are over 30 years old; many are outdated and may not realistically depict the existing flood risk. . Map Modernization is responding to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and customer demand. . Flood hazard conditions are dynamic, and many maps may not reflect recent development and/or natural changes in the environment. . New maps can take advantage of revised data and improved technologies for identifying flood hazards. . Up-to-date maps support a flood insurance program that is more closely aligned with actual risk, encourage wise floodplain management, and increase the public's flood hazard awareness. Informational Agenda Item 502 January 23, 2006 Page 2 of 4 . Local communities and various stakeholders desired more timely updates of floodplain maps and easier access to the data. . Map Modernization is a cornerstone for helping communities to be better prepared for flood disasters. The NFIP currently serves 4.5 million policyholders and provides $650 billion in coverage. HOW WILL THE NEW FLOOD MAPS BE DIFFERENT? Map Modernization uses state-of-the-art technology to increase the quality, reliability, and availability of flood hazard maps and data. . Advanced engineering streamlines studies and improves results. . Capturing interim data throughout the process provides access to mapping products earlier in the mapping life cycle. . Data quality will be improved through refined standards. . Flood maps will be delivered in Geographic Information System format. . Spatial visualization makes it easy to view and analyze the information. . All stakeholders will have improved access to flood hazard data through the Web. . Flood maps and data may be accessed online via FEMA's Multihazard Information Platform (MIP), both during the study as data becomes available and after map adoption as required to determine insurance rates. CITY PARTICIPATION IN THE MAP MODERNIZATION PROCESS At the August 8, 2005 City Commission meeting, the Commission authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement with FEMA to become a Community Partner in the Map Modernization process of the FIRM (maps). Being a community partner, the City has been directly involved in the map modernization coordination meetings, schedules and other mapping activities with FEMA, Seminole County, and other incorporated cities. This has enabled the City to provide FEMA its own flood zone information and other technical data to be used in the map modernization and update, thus improving the accuracy of the flood maps in the City of Winter Springs. On January 9,2006, FEMA's consultant delivered a copy of the preliminary new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) to the City for review and comment. There is a 30-day review period given to the communities for the opportunity to review and provide their corrections and changes to the preliminary FIRM and FIS. Staff is now performing this review and is on schedule to complete it within the 30-day review period. HOW WILL THE NEW FLOOD MAPS AFFECT CITY RESIDENTS? As a part of Staff's initial review of the preliminary new flood map, the new map was compared to the existing map to determine the impact to City residents. This review found that approximately 205 residential properties that are currently partially or fully within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) would be removed from the SFHA under the new map. Conversely, approximately 150 residential properties that are currently outside of the SFHA would now be partially or fully within the SFHA under the new FIRM map. Insurable structures within the SFHA are typically required by lenders to carry flood insurance (mandatory for federal funding). Informational Agenda Item 502 January 23, 2006 Page 3 of 4 The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) is defined as an area of land that would be inundated by a flood having a 1 % chance of occurring in any given year (previously referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood). The 1% annual chance standard was chosen by FEMA after considering various alternatives. The standard constitutes a reasonable compromise between the need for building restrictions to minimize potential loss of life and property and the economic benefits to be derived from floodplain development. Development may take place within the SFHA provided that development complies with local floodplain management ordinances, which must meet the minimum Federal requirements. MAP MODERNIZATION IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS SUMMARY The following list summarizes the sequence of activities that are planned over the next several months to complete the map modernization process: · January 9,2006: Copy of the preliminary new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) issued to the City for review and comment. · The City has 30 days to complete a review of the new flood map and provide comments to FEMA (by February 8,2006) · Community officials (jointly among FEMA, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Seminole County and its incorporated Cities) will host public meeting(s) to explain the new maps, the review and comment process, and insurance coverage and premium rates · Two notices of Base Flood Elevation (BFE) changes will be published in local newspapers. · The second notice of BFE changes begins a 90-day appeal period. Any property owner or lessee within an impacted community can file an appeal or protest within the 90-day period. o An appeal disputes a new or revised BFE and must be based on technical and/or scientific information o A protest disputes new or revised data other than BFEs · The second notice of BFE changes begins a 90-day appeal period. Any property owner or lessee within an impacted community can file an appeal or protest within the 90-day period. · Appeals and/or protests are resolved. (An additional 30-day comment period begins on appeal or protest resolutions). · Final Letter of Map Determination issued by FEMA · Dates of the effective DFIRM and PIS are published in the Federal Register (Unless lawsuits are filed, DFIRM is final) · 6-Month Compliance Period where the Communities adopt the effective DFIRM and PIS by ordinance · FIS report and FIRM panels are published and become effective. Maps are distributed to all impacted communities and many other users by FEMA's Map Service Center FUNDING: None required RECOMMENDATION: None required ATTACHMENTS: 1. Example of new flood zone boundaries at an area near Dolphin Road COMMISSIONACTION: Attachment 1 - Example of new flood zone boundaries at an area near Dolphin Road. Proposed Flood Zone Limits Old Flood Zone Limits Zone A Example: This property was previoulsy in the flood zone but would be outside of the flood zone based on the new map.