Findlay committee recommends adoption of ODNR-approved floodplain update to maintain NFIP compliance

Planning staff presented a full repeal-and-replace draft of Findlay's floodplain management regulations that aligns local standards with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) model and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements; the Planning and Zoning Committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption.

Eric Adkins summarized the process: ODNR provided the model code framework, reviewed the city's proposed local standards and approved the draft before it was presented to the committee. Adkins explained that updating the 2006 local code to the state model (and the city's agreed higher local standards) is necessary to remain in compliance with NFIP and preserve property owners' eligibility for federally backed flood insurance.

"This update ensures that Findlay remains in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, NFIP," Adkins said, and staff noted that ODNR-required provisions cannot be reduced locally without resubmission to ODNR for review and approval. The draft preserves higher local standards the city previously negotiated with ODNR.

Committee members asked procedural questions about timing and legislative steps. Staff said the item will be prepared as an ordinance for council consideration and that the city had already coordinated the substantive local standards with ODNR. The committee voted to recommend the draft to full council for formal adoption to replace the existing floodplain provisions.

Committee members and staff said the update responds to outstanding items noted in a recent FEMA community-assessment visit and represents a required step to maintain federal flood-insurance program participation.