Planning commission reviews frequently flooded areas draft; staff aims to maintain FEMA/NFIP alignment

Thurston County planning staff presented proposed revisions to the Frequently Flooded Areas chapter of the Critical Areas Ordinance on March 18, explaining efforts to keep the county compliant with FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to preserve or improve the county’s Community Rating System (CRS) standing.

Staff said the draft tightens how high groundwater hazard areas are reviewed—establishing both horizontal and vertical review triggers—removes obsolete map references and allows for more administrative flexibility in flood‑of‑record cases using notices on title to ensure future owners understand flooding risks.

Planning staff emphasized that additional construction standards for structures in flood zones are contained in county code chapter 14.38 and that any change must preserve safety and flood‑insurance program compliance. Nonconforming structures were highlighted as a sensitive area of the code because property owners often interact with that section when they are repairing or rebuilding damaged homes.

A commissioner and public speakers raised cemetery and crematorium issues in flood and recharge areas, and staff agreed to examine whether distinct treatment is needed for newer interment practices such as human composting and natural burials.

Next steps: staff will bring the flood chapter back for further review in the schedule of second reviews; the CAO schedule presented at the meeting shows a continuing review cycle through May–July.