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Horace approves first reading of updated floodplain ordinance to meet FEMA deadline
Summary
City staff presented updates required by FEMA to maintain Horace's basement exemption; council approved the ordinance on first reading and staff said FEMA feedback is pending, with final adoption needed before Sept. 5.
The Horace City Council gave the floodplain ordinance its first reading on Aug. 4 after staff said FEMA requires cities to update floodplain regulations and associated mapping to current standards.
City Attorney Lucas explained the changes were largely updates to definitions and alignment with FEMA's model flood damage prevention ordinance. He said staff has sent the draft to FEMA twice for feedback and that the city must complete the ordinance by Sept. 5 to preserve its "basement exemption," which affects how the city and property owners qualify for flood insurance.
"We have to get through this ordinance and have it officially adopted before September 5 to satisfy FEMA's requirement to ensure that the city keeps its basement exemption," Lucas said.
Council members asked staff about the pending flood insurance rate map study and the specific basement-elevation provisions. Staff said the rate-map study is in progress, Jim and Joel are reviewing zoning-zone references, and that the draft likely will need minor placement changes based on FEMA comments.
Council approved the first reading on a voice vote; staff said they will incorporate FEMA's comments, finalize the ordinance and return for final reading and adoption on the required schedule.
No changes to the basement-exemption policy were announced; staff emphasized the action is intended to maintain current eligibility under federal programs.
