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Signal Mountain council to vote next month on updated floodplain rules to keep flood insurance eligibility
Summary
Town staff told the council Sept. 22 that Signal Mountain must adopt an updated floodplain ordinance to remain eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program; the revision adopts FEMA’s 2025 data, raises certain elevation requirements and will be placed on the Oct. 13 agenda for a vote.
The Town of Signal Mountain council on Sept. 22 discussed a mandatory update to the town’s floodplain ordinance intended to preserve residents’ access to the National Flood Insurance Program.
Town Manager said the changes were required, adding, “These changes are not optional. They are required to keep Signal Mountain eligible for the national flood insurance program.” Staff explained the update adopts FEMA’s latest 2025 technical data and maps and modernizes references that, until now, had included language as old as 1988.
As presented by the manager, the revision raises minimum elevation requirements in less-precise, unmapped zones to three feet above the highest adjacent grade to provide an additional margin of safety. Staff said the ordinance ensures compliance with 44 CFR 60.3, the federal regulation tied to the flood insurance program, and that any edits beyond the mandatory text would need FEMA approval.
Mayor Elizabeth Baker said she was “comfortable with taking this into the regular meeting for a vote,” and the council agreed to place the ordinance on the next regular meeting agenda for final action.
The council did not vote on the ordinance Sept. 22; a formal vote is scheduled for the council’s next regular meeting on Oct. 13, 2025.
