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Council updates floodplain rules to reflect FEMA changes; new permits required for certain fences in floodway
Summary
Ordinance 3-22 updates floodplain management for the city to align with FEMA mapping; new rules will require permits for fences that could obstruct flow in the floodway and apply to new construction in mapped areas.
The council considered and approved Ordinance 3-22, an update to the city’s floodplain regulations to align with recent FEMA guidance. Staff explained the main substantive change: fences classified as chain-link or mesh that have the potential to obstruct water or debris flow in the floodway will now require a floodplain permit under section 9.11.
The mayor and staff clarified the update applies to new fences in the floodway; existing fences are not automatically required to be changed, but replacing a rail fence with a privacy fence in the regulated floodway would trigger permitting. Staff offered maps and said residents can review whether their property is in the floodway at city hall.
Council members characterized the change as a routine decennial update to reflect mapping and policy changes. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote.
