In a recent government meeting, officials reported significant progress in building permits and floodplain management initiatives. To date, approximately 270,000 in impact fees have been collected from building permits, with a total of 288,000 expected by the end of 2023. This marks a notable increase in building activity compared to previous years.
The office has also prioritized education and training, achieving over 200 hours of Canadian education and co-training for building code floodplain certifications. In collaboration with Utah State University, the office is offering plumbing classes every Thursday until mid-November, alongside electrical code classes scheduled for this week.
On the floodplain management front, officials are completing their annual review for the Community Rating System (CRS) program, maintaining a Class 8 rating that provides policyholders with a 10% discount on flood insurance premiums. Efforts are underway to enhance this rating further, with stakeholders including the city, state, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers involved in various flood mitigation and stormwater projects.
A new flood emergency action toolkit has been developed in partnership with these agencies, designed to assist Utah floodplain and emergency managers in responding effectively after flood events. This toolkit includes step-by-step processes and outreach materials.
The meeting also highlighted a surge in construction projects, attributed to several large developments, including the Desert Soul project and multiple apartment complexes. These initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and housing availability.
Overall, the meeting underscored the proactive measures being taken to enhance building safety and flood preparedness, reflecting a commitment to community resilience and growth.