Cedar Rapids council adopts floodplain ordinance to meet HUD standards and protect program eligibility

Council members on Tuesday approved an update to the city’s floodplain ordinance intended to keep Cedar Rapids eligible for federal housing and assistance programs.

Matthew Langley of the city’s staff told the council the main change raises the local freeboard requirement from 1.5 feet to 2 feet above base flood elevation to match the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 federal flood risk management standard. Langley said the change is needed so properties and developments in mapped flood zones can continue to qualify for HUD programs such as Federal Housing Administration loans and Community Development Block Grants.

Langley said staff also reorganized and clarified language in Chapter 32B to improve readability and to align ordinance terminology with the flood maps. "The main thing with this chapter update is increasing our flood protection levels from the previous 1.5 feet to 2 feet above the base flood," he said.

Council member Meyer moved to approve the ordinance on its reading; council member Hager seconded the motion. The council conducted a voice vote and the motion carried.

The ordinance will replace the existing chapter and adopt the updated protections within the city’s special flood hazard areas, including higher standards for critical facilities and shaded X flood zones. City staff recommended the change to preserve residents’ access to HUD loans and assistance, and to qualify property owners for increased flood insurance premium discounts.

Council did not take additional amendments during the meeting; the council record shows the public hearing was held with no objections.