Junction City council moves to adopt tailored FEMA model ordinance to meet new floodplain rules

Junction City officials on Nov. 12 directed staff to begin drafting a code amendment to adopt a tailored version of the 2024 FEMA model ordinance for floodplain development.

Councilor Leach moved to initiate an amendment to Junction City Municipal Code Title 17 and to direct staff to proceed with a tailored adoption of FEMA’s updated model ordinance; the motion passed with affirmative votes recorded. City staff urged action because FEMA’s pre-implementation compliance measures (PICMs) require communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program to adopt standards intended to protect threatened and endangered species and floodplain functions.

Staff outlined three options presented to the council: prohibit new development in the floodplain (not recommended), require habitat assessments on a permit‑by‑permit basis, or adopt the FEMA model ordinance. The staff and the city’s legal advisor said the model ordinance would be the clearest and most administrable route for a small city that does not have large numbers of new floodplain applications. The city must notify FEMA by Dec. 1 of the option it intends to pursue; if no action is taken the city would default to the permit‑by‑permit approach.

Jason Johanison, the city’s building official and floodplain administrator, told the council he supported adopting the model ordinance, saying it would ‘‘be a considerable savings versus the city of Junction City drafting our own custom made ordinance’’ and would reduce staff time and legal risk.

The model code requires standards intended to achieve no net loss of natural floodplain functions by addressing factors such as floodplain storage, water quality and vegetation. Staff noted the model ordinance’s 2024 update adds a section focused on habitat protections; adopting it will still require staff time to tailor the language and ensure compliance with Oregon’s clear‑and‑objective housing requirements. Legal counsel warned that some future revisions to FEMA guidance are likely and that the city may need to update local code again as FEMA finalizes its national implementation plan.

Councilors asked staff to return with draft code language and implementation timelines. Staff said adopting the model ordinance could be completed after initial direction, and that work on design and funding for sewer and other MAO‑related obligations can proceed in parallel. The council’s direction creates a path for staff to prepare code amendments for the planning commission and a future public hearing.

The council’s action does not immediately change local permit requirements; it authorizes staff to develop the tailored ordinance and to notify FEMA of the city’s chosen approach by the federal deadline.