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122 <br /> The County's original FIRMs became effective on March 16, 1981, with the last <br /> update being completed on February 2, 2007. After a 3 year process, the County <br /> was informed in late June of 2017, new FIRM maps have been certified by the <br /> Federal government and are required to be adopted by local communities no later <br /> than November 17, 2017. <br /> Based on advice received from the County's Attorney in 2007, staff incorporated <br /> FIRM data onto the County Zoning Atlas creating the Special Flood Hazard Area <br /> (SFHA) overlay district. At the time staff expressed concerned over the fluid nature <br /> of FIRM data, which can be modified through the completion of an engineering study <br /> reviewed at the State and Federal level. While Planning staff is somewhat involved <br /> in this process, the timeline for review and action is dictated by others. Changes <br /> resulting from this review require re-adoption of flood mapping data at the local level, <br /> translating to the holding of a public hearing to amend the boundary of the SFHA <br /> overlay district. <br /> In consultation with current representatives of the County Attorney's office, it has <br /> been determined it would be prudent to eliminate the SFHA overlay district and adopt <br /> the FIRM maps by reference in the UDO. As there are changes in flood mapping <br /> data, staff would still be required complete a UDO text amendment incorporating the <br /> new FIRM maps but would not have to complete an atlas amendment. It should be <br /> noted this is how the majority of surrounding communities handle references/changes <br /> to FIRM data. <br /> Please note as part of our floodplain management program, the Planning Department <br /> engages in a public awareness campaign keeping local property owners informed of <br /> flood issues as well as the various services offered by the County. This includes an <br /> annual letter sent to approximately 1,900 property owners whose property is <br /> encumbered by floodplain. This is part of our comprehensive floodplain management <br /> outreach program for which the County receives credit under the Community Rating <br /> System (CRS) resulting in a reduction in flood insurance premiums for local property <br /> owners. An example of this annual outreach letter is contained in Attachment 3. <br /> The elimination of the SFHA overlay district will not impact or alter existing outreach <br /> efforts conducted by the Department to keep property owners aware of flood issues <br /> and the various services offered to address compliance with flood regulations. <br /> Copies of the pending flood map data are available at the County Planning office or <br /> by visiting the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) webpage <br /> at: http://fris.nc. ov/fris/ ome.aspx?ST- C. <br /> 3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives) <br /> Chapter 2 Planning Principles of the Comprehensive Plan: <br /> • Principle 2 - Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development <br /> within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that is <br /> sustainable over the long-term. <br /> Chapter 5 Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan: <br /> • Land Use Goal 1 - Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable <br /> growth consistent with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a <br />