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Los Gatos council introduces new floodplain management code to align with state, federal standards
Summary
The council voted to introduce an ordinance repealing and replacing Town Code Chapter 29 Article 9 to update floodplain definitions, maps and permitting rules to match state Department of Water Resources templates and the California Building Code.
The Los Gatos Town Council on Oct. 21 voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance replacing Town Code Chapter 29 Article 9 to update the town's floodplain management regulations.
Nicole Burnham, director of parks and public works, told council the town has participated in the National Flood Insurance Program since 1979 and that the last comprehensive ordinance update was in 2003. The proposed ordinance is a wholesale replacement using template language from the California Department of Water Resources, reviewed by the town's attorneys and Valley Water, to reflect recent federal and state changes in how floodplain management is administered.
Key changes: Staff said definitions are updated, permitting requirements for structures within mapped floodplains are revised, and the update formalizes coordination with the California Building Code to align building and permitting standards. The Planning Commission reviewed the update on Sept. 24 and found it consistent with the general plan before forwarding it to council.
Motion and outcome: Council Member Badami moved to introduce the ordinance repealing and replacing the existing floodplain chapter and updating flood hazard maps; the vice mayor seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: The ordinance will return for further council consideration and adoption following required notice and second reading steps as set by the town's code and state law.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 1559; motion and vote concluded SEG 1639.
