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Cutler Bay amends floodplain code to allow LP tanks, generators; council approves second reading
Summary
The council approved a second-reading ordinance that relaxes a prohibition in the town’s floodplain code to allow LP gas tanks and household generators in residential areas, reversing an earlier restriction intended to gain CRS points.
The Town of Cutler Bay council on Oct. 15 approved second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 18 (Floodplain Management) of the town code to remove a prohibition the town had added previously on certain materials, including LP gas tanks, in residential areas.
The town manager said the provision had been inserted to gain Community Rating System (CRS) points for floodplain management, but it created barriers for residents seeking to install emergency generators and propane tanks for household use. "We added this section, but then, figured out the result was really that we were kinda hurting some of the residents that wanna have LP gas, not only for LP gas generators," the manager said. Staff said rescinding the prohibition will reduce 20 CRS points but will not change the town’s Class 3 CRS rating.
Staff described that several residents had applications on hold pending the ordinance change; the manager said four or five applications were in the queue and would proceed once the amendment took effect. The council opened a public hearing as required; no one spoke. Council member Lord moved approval of second reading, Council member Ramirez seconded, and the clerk called the roll: Council member Ramirez — yes; Council member Lord — yes; Council member Duncan — yes; Vice Mayor Callahan — yes. The motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: the change restores the ability for homeowners to install LP tanks and standby generators that otherwise would have been restricted by the floodplain provision and resolves resident applications that were awaiting the amendment.
Ending: Staff said the amendment had been advertised, the public hearing closed with no speakers, and the ordinance will be codified so residents may proceed with their generator and LP tank installations.
