APC recommends floodplain ordinance updates for Roseland and North Liberty to preserve NFIP eligibility

The St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission voted Dec. 17 to forward two text amendments—one for the town of Roseland and another for North Liberty—that update local floodplain zoning to reflect recent state and federal rule changes and to preserve each town's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.

Sean Klein, APC staff, said the amendments mirror a model ordinance issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources after state and federal floodplain rules were revised. He told commissioners the towns had vetted the language with the DNR and that the revision would allow residents in town floodplains to remain eligible for flood insurance.

Peter J. Agostino, town attorney for Roseland, spoke in favor of the Roseland amendment and asked the commission to recommend the ordinance to the town council. "On behalf of the town of Roseland, we would ask your support in recommending this ordinance to comply with requirements from the state DNR," Agostino said.

Commissioner DJ Tavernier moved to send APC 3057‑24 to the Roseland town council with a favorable recommendation; Doctor Lauck seconded. The motion passed on roll call. The commission then considered APC 3058‑24, a similar amendment for North Liberty, and voted unanimously to forward that text amendment to the North Liberty town council with a favorable recommendation.

Both recommendations are referrals to the respective town councils for their final adoption; the APC action does not itself change town codes.