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Sequim adopts FEMA‑required updates to flood damage prevention code (SMC 8.36)
Summary
Council adopted amendments to Sequim Municipal Code 8.36 to incorporate FEMA map and regulatory changes required for continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program; vote was 7–0 on April 14, 2025.
The Sequim City Council unanimously adopted amendments to Sequim Municipal Code (SMC) 8.36 on April 14 to remain compliant with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and to preserve the city’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
City attorney Christina Nelson Gross and senior planner Travis Simmons presented the updates during a public hearing, explaining the changes are largely federally mandated and include updated flood maps, revised permit and variance language, development standards for high‑risk zones and updated definitions consistent with FEMA guidance. “The flood insurance program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations,” Simmons read from FEMA background materials.
Staff said the updated code incorporates the most recent Clallam County flood insurance study and maps, clarifies regulatory floodway restrictions and adds standards for coastal high‑hazard and shallow flooding zones. The amendments are intended to preserve property owners’ access to federally backed flood insurance and to maintain or improve the city’s standing in the NFIP community‑rating system, which can reduce premiums for insured property owners.
No public commenters spoke at the hearing. Council moved to adopt the proposed amendments and approved them by roll call, 7–0.
Votes at a glance: Amendment to SMC 8.36 (Flood Damage Prevention) — adopted by roll call, 7 yes, 0 no.
The adopted changes must be incorporated into city permitting and code enforcement procedures; staff noted the statutory deadline to adopt the revisions was April 23, 2025, and that Sequim met that timeline.
