Pulaski County justices voted to send ordinance 25I‑69 to the full quorum court with a due‑pass recommendation, adopting an additional method to determine base flood elevations (BFE) in unnumbered A zones by allowing use of the FEMA BLE viewer.

Van (county staff) told the court the tool is free and can be used to establish a base flood elevation where a map otherwise lacks a BFE; that, in turn, allows property owners and builders to determine required finished‑floor elevations without commissioning an expensive flood study. Van said, "It's for the citizens. It's free," and described the viewer as a helpful option where previously property owners often had to pay for a formal study.

Justice Robinson and other justices noted the viewer is widely used by engineers and surveyors but that it has limitations; Robinson said it is a "handy tool" but that professionals should exercise judgment. The court discussed how the county's rule requires finished‑floor elevations two feet above the base flood elevation and that the policy change would allow the county to rely on the viewer for regulatory determinations in unnumbered zones.

A roll call recorded 13 ayes and 2 abstentions; two justices abstained from the recommendation. The item will proceed to the full quorum court for final action.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 25I‑69: Authorize use of FEMA BLE viewer for BFEs in unnumbered A zones. Vote: 13 ayes, 0 nays, 2 abstentions.

County staff said use of the viewer could save homeowners and builders money by removing the need for a paid flood‑study in many cases, while justices requested that staff continue to provide technical context for builders and the public.