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Waynesville amends floodplain ordinance to give administrator discretion on survey requirement
Summary
Council adopted a text amendment to the flood damage prevention ordinance so the floodplain administrator may waive the mandatory sealed-plot survey requirement for minor projects, aligning local code with the state model and FEMA audit findings.
Waynesville council voted to amend the town's flood damage prevention ordinance after staff reported FEMA and North Carolina Emergency Management auditors found the town’s ordinance required a sealed survey for virtually all floodplain projects. The proposed text change gives the floodplain administrator discretion to waive the certification by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer for minor projects where no other ordinance requires such certification and where the activity will not increase flood hazards.
Planning staff said the change brings the ordinance into closer alignment with the state model, eliminates an onerous requirement for small interior or HVAC work, and retains survey and certification requirements where they remain necessary (major subdivisions, major site plans). Council opened and closed the public hearing, found the amendment consistent with the 2035 comprehensive plan, and adopted the ordinance.
Staff said other portions of the floodplain program remain unchanged and that surveys will continue to be required for projects that trigger them under separate provisions. The change is administrative in effect but intends to reduce unnecessary permitting burden while preserving flood‑risk protections.
