Seattle council extends interim floodplain rules to align with FEMA maps

The Seattle City Council passed council bill 120927 on Feb. 4, extending interim floodplain development regulations for an additional six months to allow use of updated Federal Emergency Management Agency flood insurance rate maps.

Councilmember Strauss, speaking for the Land Use Committee, explained the need for the extension. He said FEMA required updates to Seattle’s floodplain regulations after a new flood insurance study and that the city’s Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has negotiated with the Port of Seattle and other waterfront stakeholders about proposed permanent regulations. Strauss said SDCI issued an updated SEPA decision in August 2024 that was not appealed, but waterfront property owners continued to raise issues that staff and the mayor’s office are still working to resolve.

The ordinance extends interim regulations previously established by Ordinance 126113 and amended by Ordinance 126536 so that individuals can rely on updated rate maps when obtaining National Flood Insurance Program coverage through FEMA. In debate Strauss urged council support, saying the extension gives staff time to resolve outstanding Port of Seattle concerns and finalize permanent regulations for council consideration before the interim rule expires in August 2025.

The council called the roll and the bill passed with all members voting in the affirmative. The chair directed the clerk to affix the mayoral signature.

Why it matters: Extending the interim regulations preserves property owners’ ability to obtain flood insurance under updated FEMA maps while the city and waterfront stakeholders finalize permanent local rules. The extension avoids an immediate lapse that could complicate insurance and permitting for waterfront properties.

What the council did: Passed council bill 120927 to extend interim floodplain development regulations for six months.