Bessemer adopts new floodplain ordinance to preserve federal flood-insurance eligibility

The Bessemer City Council adopted a new 2026 Floodplain Development Ordinance on June 2, a document the city says is required to remain eligible for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Why it matters: City Attorney Aaron Killings told the council the ordinance implements standards required by FEMA so the city can continue to offer federally backed flood insurance and access federal assistance after disasters. The ordinance updates local permit, inspection, and variance rules and sets construction standards for development in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

Council action and vote: City Clerk Wanda D. Taylor presented Ordinance No. 3701, a 53-page document that incorporates floodplain-management duties for a designated Floodplain Administrator, permit procedures, technical building standards and enforcement provisions. Attorney Aaron Killings summarized that participation in the NFIP is voluntary but “necessary for communities that wish to obtain access to its benefits.” After Councilor Chester W. Porter arrived, the council first voted to consider the ordinance and then voted to adopt it; roll call recorded all present voting aye.

What the ordinance does: The ordinance adopts NFIP-consistent definitions and procedures (including elevation certification and FEMA elevation- and floodproofing-certificate requirements), requires development permits in Special Flood Hazard Areas, establishes standards for residential and non-residential elevation or floodproofing, and formalizes enforcement tools ranging from stop-work orders to notices of violation and civil penalties. It defines the Floodplain Administrator’s duties, mandates elevation or floodproofing of new construction above base flood elevations (with required freeboard), and sets variance and appeals procedures.

Implementation and next steps: The ordinance becomes effective immediately upon adoption and will be maintained on file at the City Clerk’s office. City officials said it is intended to keep the city eligible for NFIP insurance and related federal assistance; it also requires the city to submit mapping or engineering data to FEMA when watercourse alterations occur. The council did not identify an immediate follow-up timeline beyond standard administrative steps to file and maintain permit and elevation records.

Reaction and context: Attorney Killings framed the adoption as a technical but consequential step to protect residents and preserve federal aid and insurance. No council member voted against the ordinance, and no public comment objecting to the ordinance was recorded during the item.

The council moved on to other business after the formal adoption vote.