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Board authorizes joint public hearing on updated floodplain ordinance ahead of new FEMA maps
Summary
The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on May 13 authorized a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to consider amendments to the county's floodplain ordinance to reflect new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps effective Aug. 5, 2025.
The Nelson County Board of Supervisors on May 13 authorized a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission to consider amendments to the county's floodplain ordinance to reflect new FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that are due to take effect Aug. 5, 2025.
County staff explained that the locality must update its floodplain ordinance and submit the adopted ordinance to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at least 30 days prior to the new maps' effective date in order to remain enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Staff said the county's current effective FIRMs date to June 10, 2010, and the existing ordinance was last amended in 2017; the required updates are largely technical changes such as replacing definitions for "post-FIRM" and "pre-FIRM," updating references to effective dates and ensuring administrative compliance with DCR guidance.
The board moved to approve Resolution R2025-36 authorizing the joint public hearing to be held June 25 (work session at 5 p.m.; joint public hearing and regular meeting to start at 7 p.m.). The motion passed on roll call. Staff will send the ordinance amendments to DCR and FEMA after adoption for final review and acceptance.
No substantive policy changes beyond map and definition updates were presented; staff recommended public notice and an opportunity for affected residents to comment during the joint hearing.
