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Zoning officer urges residents to follow floodplain rules as FEMA plans county-wide remap
Summary
Duane Brady, Londonderry Township Zoning and Codes Officer, outlined floodplain rules, noted FEMA will remap Dauphin County and that the township must adopt a revised model ordinance; he urged residents to seek determinations and insurance and described PEMA audits and past CAV probation.
Duane Brady, Londonderry Township Zoning and Codes Officer, presented a detailed overview of floodplain management at the township's Feb. 19 work session, urging residents to comply with regulations as federal and state agencies prepare to remap flood zones in Dauphin County.
Brady told the board and attendees that floodplain regulations exist to protect life and property and to guide development near waterways. He said the township contains more than 32 miles of riverine shoreline and that approximately 477 parcels are impacted by floodplain designations. He said FEMA has recorded 597 claimed property-loss events in the township paying more than $28,000,000.
Brady reviewed the township's enforcement responsibilities under federal and state programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). He said the township previously faced probation following a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) that required corrective action on permitting, record-keeping and enforcement; Brady noted the CAV probation or suspension was closed on June 11, 2024.
Looking ahead, Brady said the federal government will remap Dauphin County and that once new maps are adopted the township will have several months to review and adopt a state-revised model ordinance. He described a new Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Community Self Assessment program that will audit floodplain administration every five years; PEMA will ask the local floodplain administrator to complete questionnaires and will conduct field visits and follow-up meetings.
On practical effects for property owners, Brady warned that lack of permit records or determinations can affect eligibility for recovery funds after a flood. He recommended that residents apply for floodplain determinations, obtain coverage through flood insurance where appropriate, and work directly with township staff; he said he prefers voluntary compliance to pursuing violations.
Attendees raised questions about the affordability of flood insurance, whether non-developed 'island' properties would be affected, impacts to commercial properties, accuracy of township lot ownership records for the islands, costs of permits and inspection procedures. Brady and staff offered to keep property owners updated as the remap and ordinance review proceed.
The township will notify residents about the remapping process and provide guidance on applications for floodplain determinations and permitting as the county remap and state model ordinance move forward.
