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Planning director outlines Belmont comprehensive plan, EagleView imagery updates and FEMA floodplain timeline
Summary
Director of Planning Kier Dirlam told the Planning & Economic Development Committee that the Village of Belmont has submitted a new comprehensive plan for local review, that EagleView aerial flights (2023, early 2025, spring 2026) are substantially complete but will need funding beyond ARPA, and that FEMA floodplain map updates are expected to become official in 2028, requiring local law adoptions within six months.
Kier Dirlam, Allegany County irector of Planning, updated the Planning & Economic Development Committee on several planning matters on June 17, including a new comprehensive plan for the Village of Belmont, county aerial imagery status, FEMA floodplain mapping changes and housing-value trends.
Dirlam said the Village of Belmont submitted a comprehensive plan draft for local review; the village had not previously had its own plan and approval is anticipated in late summer or early fall following the required review process. He credited Stacey Beardsley as the lead on the project and said adoption will help set priorities that guide future decisions.
Dirlam reviewed the county—agleView aerial imagery service, noting flights were completed in 2023 and early 2025 and that the spring 2026 flight is substantially complete with some areas requiring recapture due to tree leaf-out. The system, he said, allows users to view properties from multiple angles, take measurements and supports public safety by integrating with the 911 system. He advised that future flights will require a new funding source once ARPA funds are exhausted.
On floodplain mapping, Dirlam said federal FEMA updates will be the first major revision in several decades, will use different data and methodology, and are expected to become official in 2028. He said each town and village will be required to adopt new local laws within a six-month window to remain in the flood management program.
Dirlam also reported housing-value trends: the typical home value in Allegany County rose from about $80,000 in 2018 to about $135,000 in 2026, with an estimated 7% increase over the last year. He said limited housing supply continues to place upward pressure on prices although Allegany County remains among the state's more affordable areas.
The county—omprehensive plan work continues, Dirlam said, and will be presented to the full board early next year; he encouraged legislators to consider filling vacancies on the Comprehensive Plan Committee to ensure broad participation.
