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Council introduces amendments to Jackson floodplain ordinance to remove "freeboard" after MEMA consultation

5938038 · September 23, 2025

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Summary

City attorney introduced proposed amendments to the flood damage prevention ordinance drafted with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency; item will be brought back Oct. 7 for further action.

Drew Martin, the city attorney, introduced proposed amendments to Jackson's flood damage prevention ordinance that would remove the city's "freeboard" requirement. Martin said the amendments were drafted in conjunction with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and reflect MEMA's technical recommendations.

Martin explained the city's freeboard is a locally set elevation standard that effectively raises the regulatory flood elevation; removing the freeboard was presented as a way to assist certain properties. The item was introduced and scheduled to be brought forward for action at the Oct. 7 council meeting.

No final action was taken; the administration said the proposed amendments are the product of several meetings with MEMA and technical subject-matter advice. Council members asked questions but deferred the final vote to the October meeting to allow further review.