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Council narrows floodplain ordinance and removes residential basement language pending FEMA approval
Summary
Following FEMA feedback, Horace council limited referenced flood zones in its floodplain ordinance and removed residential basement‑exemption language until the city submits and receives FEMA approval; staff also secured geotechnical and structural proposals to support future exemptions.
The Horace City Council amended the city’s draft floodplain ordinance on Sept. 2 after staff relayed FEMA and state comments. Staff recommended limiting the ordinance to specific zones and removing basement‑exemption language from the residential section until FEMA approves a later exception package.
Lucas (staff) said FEMA responded Aug. 28 with suggestions to limit referenced flood zones and to remove the basement language from the residential section because the basement‑exception package had not yet been approved. “Once they do approve it, put it back in,” Lucas said.
Council voted to adopt an amended second reading that limits the flood zones referenced in the ordinance and removes the residential basement exemption until the city’s technical submission is approved by FEMA.
Separately, staff sought council approval to contract for the technical work needed to support future basement exceptions. Public‑works staff reported proposals from Braun Intertec for a geotechnical evaluation (about $8,000) and a structural designer (about $17,000) to prepare basement‑floodproofing standards. Council approved contracting with those firms so the city can pursue the basement‑exemption package when ready.
What this means: The ordinance change is procedural to align with FEMA’s review process; residential basement construction in designated floodplain areas will remain restricted until the city completes technical studies and FEMA approves any exemption package.
