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Staff to advertise flood-hazard overlay changes after FEMA-required edits
Summary
Amherst County staff told the board they received FEMA and DCR-required changes to a proposed flood-hazard overlay ordinance on short notice and requested the board authorize advertising the ordinance for a Jan. 21 public hearing; the motion to advertise passed.
County staff told the Amherst County Board of Supervisors Jan. 7 that FEMA and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) required edits to the county's proposed Flood Hazard Overlay Ordinance and asked the board to authorize advertising the revised ordinance for public hearing on Jan. 21.
Why it matters: The revised ordinance and updated flood maps are required to retain compliance with FEMA's floodplain management criteria. Adoption and FEMA approval affect property owners in mapped flood zones and determine the county's standing with the National Flood Insurance Program.
What staff said: A staff speaker told the board the changes arrived late (Friday at 5:02 p.m.), that FEMA did not accept the county's accessory-structure definition and that many changes were boilerplate required by higher agencies. Staff apologized for the time crunch but recommended moving forward so the county could meet FEMA's submission timetable; staff said submitting on Jan. 22 would keep the county in compliance for FEMA's Feb. 14 deadline.
Board action: Supervisor Tom Martin moved to direct staff to advertise ordinance 2024-6 for public hearing; the motion passed on a voice vote. A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21; staff said the map updates and ordinance adoption would be handled together.
Ending: Advertising begins the formal public-notice and hearing sequence; staff will return with a full public-hearing packet and responses to board questions at the Jan. 21 meeting.
