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Commission approves first reading of floodplain ordinance revisions to stay aligned with FEMA and state guidance
Summary
On first reading the commission approved amendments to the city’s floodplain and stormwater code that staff said will maintain compliance with FEMA, Florida Department of Emergency Management and the Florida Building Code; staff also said the change removes a five‑year cumulative lookback provision.
The Largo City Commission on April 1 approved on first reading an amendment to the city’s comprehensive development code that updates floodplain, stormwater and related construction provisions to align with recommendations from the Florida Department of Emergency Management and FEMA.
City staff told commissioners the package is largely an administrative update required to remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program and the state’s Community Rating System (CRS). Among the technical changes staff proposed was removal of the city’s five‑year “cumulative” look‑back provision for determining substantial damage or improvement — a change staff said keeps the city aligned with FEMA and the Florida Building Code while preserving CRS participation.
Staff noted the consequences of noncompliance: removal from the National Flood Insurance Program or a CRS downgrade, which would change insurance surcharges for affected policyholders and could affect grant eligibility. The commission approved the ordinance on first reading, 7–0, and staff scheduled a special planning‑board meeting and a CRS review on an expedited timetable to meet April review deadlines.
City staff said they will present the ordinance for second reading and final adoption following the planning‑board advisory review on April 10 and continued coordination with the state reviewer.
