Agenda - 09-05-2017 - 8-m - Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and Zoning Atlas Amendment Outline – Flood Damage Prevention Regulations and Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Overlay District

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2 on the scope and timing of the FEMA map change(s), there may be significant and unplanned budgetary impacts, as well as significant time commitments, to incorporate said modifications. In consultation with current County Attorney's staff, Planning staff is recommending the elimination of the SFHA overlay district and adoption of the flood maps by reference in the UDO. As there are future changes/updates in flood mapping data, staff would complete a UDO text amendment incorporating reference to this new data, but would not have to complete a corresponding zoning atlas amendment. The move would reduce required budgetary outlays to cover notification of an atlas amendment to affected property owners. It should be noted the majority of surrounding communities handle updates to flood map data in a similar fashion (i.e. a text amendment adopting the new maps by reference). Please note as part of the floodplain management program, the Planning Department engages in a public awareness campaign keeping local property owners informed of flood issues as well as the various services offered by the County. This includes an annual letter sent to approximately 1,900 property owners whose property is encumbered by floodplain. This is part of a comprehensive floodplain management outreach program for which the County receives credit under the Community Rating System (CRS) resulting in a reduction in flood insurance premiums for local property owners. An example of this annual outreach letter is contained in Attachment 2. The elimination of the SFHA overlay district will not impact or alter existing outreach efforts conducted by the Department to keep property owners aware of flood issues and the various services offered to address compliance with flood regulations. This item is intended for presentation/action by the BOCC at the November 2017 Quarterly Public Hearing. Local communities are required to adopt these changes (i.e. flood damage prevention standards and flood mapping data) by November 17, 2017. Planning staff has already discussed the issue with the County Manager, Deputy Manager, Attorney, and the Clerk's office. A request to move the public hearing to an earlier date in November of 2017 is pending. At the writing of this abstract, it is anticipated the Planning Board will make a recommendation on the proposed amendments at its October 4, 2017 regular meeting, which will then be presented at the November Quarterly Public Hearing. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no cost associated with receiving this introduction and providing feedback to staff. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this agenda item: • GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the attached Amendment Outline form and direct staff to proceed accordingly.