HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1987-09-21
~ September 21, 1987
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Honorable Mayor and City CouncIl
Dudley Hemphill, Director of PublIC WorKs/City EngIneer
SUBJECT:
Revised Floodplain Management Ordinance
BACKGROUND
The City of Seal Beach has an existing FloodplaIn OrdInance WhlCh
regulates development in the very few areas of the City subject
to flooding from rains and storm generated high tides and swells.
The existing Ordinance establishes eligibility fur the National
Flood Insurance Program, a federally subsidized program WhICh
offers low cost flood insurance for eligible structures withIn
communities having Floodplain Ordinances which conform to Federal
and state requirements.
From time-to-time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
reviews and suggests changes in guidelInes for local floodplaIn
ordinances. The City has implemented one major revision in its
floodplain ordInance.
.
In October of last year, FEMA changed some of the rules governIng
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is a conditIon
of our agreement with FEMA that our continued eligibility is
contingent upon our maintaining an ordInance that complies wIth
current NFIP rules. In California, the State Department of Water
Resources (DWR) has been designated the State agency responsible
for coordinating local Floodplain Ordinance reviSIons on behalf
of FEMA.
Local agenCIes can implement the new rules through amendments to
their eXIstIng ordinances or by adopting a suggested "model"
ordinance. After completing a State supplied "OrdInance ReVIew
Form", It became clear that it would be easier to Implement the
model ordinance and rescind prior floodplaIn ordinances.
The new rules contained in the new model ordinance that were
missing from the City's current codes are summarized as follows:
1)
Adding Definitions
definitIons for all
ordinance does not.
The model ordinance
flood terms whereas our
prOVIdes
existing
2)
HVAC Requirements - The new rules require that all heating,
ventilatIon and air conditioning equipment be located so as
to prevent water from accumulating within the components
durIng condItions of flooding.
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September 21, 1987
Revised Floodplain Management Ordinance
Page 2
3) Flood Elevation Data The new rules require that all
subdivision proposals and other proposed new developments
include within such proposals base flood elevation data.
4) Manufactured Homes The new rules require that all
manufactured homes to be placed within a special flood
hazard shall be installed using methods and practIces which
minimize flood damage.
5) Basements - The new rules require that fully enclosed areas
below the lowest floor shall be designed to automatically
equalize the hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by
allowing for the entry and exit of floodwaters.
6) Floodway Construction - The new rules require that when a
regulatory floodway has been designed, the local ordinance
shall prohibit encroachments, including fill, new
construction, substantial improvements and other development
within the floodway which would increase flood elevations
during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
7)
Wave Velocity Zones - The new rules require the City to
obtain the elevation of the bottom of the lowest floor of
all new and substantially improved structures in Wave
Velocity Zones and to maintain a record of these elevations.
The new rules have no practical effect on the application of the
City's Flood Insurance Rate Map or any of the other
administrative aspects of the Public WorKs or Development
Services Department. One benefit of the new rules is that clear
definItions of terms are provIded for the first time.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached
Ordinance establishing a model Floodplain Management Ordinance
consistent with National Flood Insurance program rules thus
insuring the City's continued eligibility for participation in
~h National FlO~d Insurance program.
-Jl~A~J~
Du e Hemp ill
NOTED AND APPROVED:
Bob Nelson, City Manger