Workshop updates floodplain, freeboard and wellhead protections in LDC draft

City staff outlined proposed amendments to Chapter 10 intended to clarify floodplain regulation, construction standards for new development and wellhead protection measures.

Jordan Myers, described by staff as a longtime environmental expert working for the city, summarized proposed flood-code language and FEMA zone designations. "AH and AO are actually uh shallow flooding areas and riverine flooding," Myers said, noting the city currently has AE, shaded X (0.2% chance) and zone X in its mapped areas and does not have AH or AO zones. The draft requires new subdivisions and facilities to minimize flood damage, locate utilities to avoid flooding, provide adequate drainage and maintain a two‑foot freeboard above established flood elevations.

Wellhead protection: Staff proposed a 500-foot wellhead protection setback in which new retention or detention facilities—including stormwater treatment facilities—would not be permitted. Rodriguez said the code adds requirements for roadway curbing consistent with Florida Department of Transportation standards (Type C or equivalent) to help prevent pollutants reaching primary wellfields.

Concerns raised: Committee members asked whether the 500-foot buffer would dictate ground cover (grass versus forest) and noted an exemption for agriculture in the draft. Staff replied the existing draft does not prescribe a required ground cover and that they would check state statute to clarify whether agricultural activities can be regulated within the buffer.

Next steps: Staff said they will refine the language, consult the stormwater engineer on modeling questions raised by members, and bring the flood and wellhead provisions to the planning board for action. No votes were taken at the workshop.