Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Floodplain Update topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Board forwards updated floodplain section to City Council after FEMA data update
Summary
The board voted 4-0 to recommend that the City Council replace the city's Section 9 with a new floodway and floodplain district aligned to updated FEMA technical data, designations, and administrative procedures.
The Woburn City Planning Board voted unanimously to forward a proposed replacement of Section 9 of the zoning ordinance — titled "Floodway and Floodplain District" — to the City Council with a favorable recommendation.
Planning staff explained that the update replaces the current Section 9 with a new set of provisions that reflect recent FEMA floodplain determinations and updated technical calculations. The proposed new Section 9 would add purpose and definitions, establish the district, designate a community floodplain administrator, set permit and procedural requirements, and include standards on notification of watercourse alteration, abrogation and greater restriction, liability disclaimer and severability.
A planning staff member told the board the change is driven by FEMA's updated floodplain data and added, "FEMA has come in and said you gotta update your plan," urging the board to forward the draft to the council. The board closed the public hearing and voted to send a favorable recommendation to City Council (motion by Dave, seconded by Rob; 4-0).
The Board's recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for final action. The Planning Department urged adoption to keep the city's regulations consistent with federal mapping and technical-data requirements.
Sources: Planning staff presentation and board vote at the Woburn City Planning Board meeting.
