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Council holds first reading on updated floodplain rules tied to new FEMA maps
Summary
Community Development Director Alaina Geres presented Ordinance 3-25 to adopt updated FEMA floodplain maps and update city code to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program; Geres warned failing to adopt the changes would remove residents’ eligibility to buy NFIP flood insurance. The ordinance will return for a second reading Feb. 25.
Carlisle City Council on Feb. 11 held the first reading of Ordinance 3-25, a proposal to adopt updated flood damage reduction regulations to align the city code with new FEMA floodplain mapping and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources model regulations.
Community Development Director Alaina Geres told council the area’s FEMA floodplain study added and removed zones; she said the ordinance updates code language to accept those changes. Geres said, “if we do not pass this, we will be out of the National Flood Insurance Program and residents will not be able to buy flood insurance.” Council members asked clarifying questions about zone labels and recreational-vehicle provisions; Geres referenced FEMA map zone AE for many of the additions.
Councilman Michael Kilpatrick expressed concern about rising insurance costs, noting in discussion that premiums can range from about $800 to $2,500 per year for affected properties. Mayor Randy Winkler responded that flood insurance costs can be higher than those figures. The council set a second reading for the ordinance on Feb. 25.
No vote on the ordinance occurred at the Feb. 11 meeting beyond scheduling the second reading. Staff provided a map via email showing areas removed (highlighted in purple) and additions (highlighted in yellow) and said they will bring finalized ordinance language and maps back for Council consideration at the next meeting.
If enacted, the changes would keep Carlisle eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program and maintain residents’ ability to purchase NFIP policies; staff and council did not provide estimates of how many properties would gain or lose coverage at this meeting.
