Updated FEMA maps shrink some west‑side floodplains; city says most residential impact is limited

City staff and commissioners spent much of the meeting on where the new FEMA maps change local flood designations. Jeff, the floodplain administrator, told the commission the maps "have gotten better" for Springville and that "a lot of the area where a particular gas station will be coming has actually been removed from the flood plain." He pointed to specific panels that were changed and said the brown shading on the maps indicates areas removed from the 100‑year floodplain while blue shows newly mapped 100‑year zones.

Commissioners asked whether any homes were newly impacted; Jeff said his review did not identify adverse effects on west‑side residences and that the changes have primarily benefited commercial properties near I‑15. He also explained the 500‑year designation remains for some areas and that FEMA encourages adjacent property owners to consider flood insurance even when they’re outside the 100‑year zone. Jeff noted that property owners whose parcels changed were notified by state, county, and FEMA.

The presentation also explained how property owners can pursue Letters of Map Revision (LOMARs) to adjust a parcel’s mapping by proving a higher elevation or by submitting fill and survey data; Jeff cautioned that the LOMAR process can take about 18 months and should ensure no adverse impacts on neighbors.

The discussion highlighted outreach as a next step: commissioners agreed staff should coordinate notice and consider communicating the changes as largely beneficial where applicable.