Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Floodplain Mapping topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses draft floodplain bylaw/map changes; staff says FEMA study prompted letters to about 20 property owners
Summary
Planning staff told the board that a recent FEMA study and resulting map changes prompted a mailing to about 20 property owners; four properties had floodplain moving closer to a structure, and several properties moved from in to out of the floodplain.
Planning staff updated the board on draft warrant language and maps related to updated floodplain boundaries. Staff said FEMA completed a study that shifted the floodplain boundary in parts of town; the town must adopt the updated maps to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
"Monday, a letter went out to about 20 property owners," a staff member said. Staff said roughly four property owners received notices that the floodplain was getting closer to their structures; there were no structures newly mapped as in the floodplain, and for several properties the structures moved from in the floodplain to out.
Board members asked staff to quantify impacts on homeowners and to prepare slides that clearly mark which lots are affected and what the practical effects would be, including the potential that a property leaving the floodplain could lead a mortgage lender to remove NFIP-required flood insurance. Staff noted that owners remain free to purchase flood insurance voluntarily even if the property is not in a mapped flood zone; however, premium rates are typically lower when a property is mapped out of the high-risk flood zone.
Members requested that the presentation materials state that the FEMA study prompted the map change and that the town must adopt updated maps to stay in the National Flood Insurance Program. Staff said they will prepare clearer maps and messaging for the public hearing and town meeting.
