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West Branch adopts updated floodplain rules, adds 'factory-built' definitions and elevation standards
Summary
The West Branch City Council adopted Ordinance 813 updating Chapter 160 (Floodplain Regulations) to add definitions for factory-built homes and factory-built home parks, to limit increases to base flood elevation, and to require elevation or floodproofing of utilities and equipment at least one foot above base flood elevation.
The West Branch City Council on May 6 adopted Ordinance 813, amending the city’s Floodplain Regulations (Chapter 160). The unanimous vote occurred during the council’s regular meeting after second and third readings were moved and approved.
The ordinance adds a definition of “Factory-built Home,” defined as any residential structure substantially assembled in manufacturing facilities — including mobile homes, manufactured homes and modular homes — and also covers recreational vehicles placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days. It also defines “Factory-built Home Park or Subdivision” as parcels divided into two or more factory-built home lots for sale or lease.
The ordinance includes performance standards intended to minimize flood damage. Until a regulatory floodway is designated, the ordinance states that “no development may increase the Base Flood Elevation more than one (1) foot,” and places the burden on applicants to provide technical information to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It also requires that new and substantially improved structures have electric meters, electrical panels, hot water heaters and similar equipment elevated (or, for non‑residential structures, optionally floodproofed) to a minimum of one foot above base flood elevation. Plumbing, gas lines, meters and other utilities must be either elevated or designed to be watertight for the same level of inundation.
Mayor Roger Laughlin opened the readings; the motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilmember Tom Dean and seconded by Jerry Sexton, and the council recorded a unanimous vote in favor. The ordinance repeals conflicting language and takes effect after final passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
The council’s action clarifies how factory-built housing and utility installations are treated under city floodplain standards and places a specific, one-foot limit on allowable increases in base flood elevation pending regulatory designation of a floodway.
