Sumter County Council adopts flood ordinance amendments to match new FEMA Black River maps
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Summary
Sumter County Council unanimously approved amendments to its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (OA-22-09) to adopt revised FEMA Black River watershed maps and Flood Insurance Study revisions, a change the county must enact by Oct. 27, 2022 to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Sumter County Council unanimously granted second-reading approval Sept. 27 of an amendment to the county Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (OA-22-09) to adopt FEMA’s updated Black River watershed maps and related Flood Insurance Study revisions.
Zoning Administrator Jeff Dewort told council that the ordinance changes are required for continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS), and that the county must adopt the maps no later than Oct. 27, 2022. He also pointed the public to the SC Flood Impact website (scfloodimpact.com) to review map changes.
Chairman James T. McCain Jr. opened a public hearing prior to the vote; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. The motion to approve second reading was made by Councilman Artie Baker, seconded by Vice Chairman James R. Byrd, and carried unanimously.
Why it matters: adopting the revised maps will change mapped floodplain boundaries in parts of the county, which can affect flood-insurance requirements and premiums for property owners. The adoption also ensures Sumter County remains eligible for NFIP and CRS benefits tied to federal flood-insurance programs.
Next steps: The ordinance revision takes effect following the county’s adoption process; the county must complete the local adoption by Oct. 27, 2022 to comply with FEMA’s timetable. Residents with questions were directed to the county’s planning/zoning office and the SC Flood Impact site for map details.