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23 <br /> November 14, 2017 <br /> Background <br /> • In 1968 Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) <br /> • Program provides means for property owners to financially protect themselves from the <br /> possible damage of structures resulting from flood events. <br /> • Supplements typical homeowner insurance policies, which do not cover damage to <br /> structures resulting from a flood. <br /> • Flood insurance available in participating communities. <br /> • Participation involves adoption/enforcement of regulations designed to mitigate/reduce <br /> flood risk. <br /> • Includes adoption of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) denoting areas susceptible to <br /> flooding. Used to verify the anticipated `elevation' of flood waters during storm event. <br /> • Staff works with property owners to ensure development is not located in flood areas. <br /> • FIRMs are modified over time by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to <br /> reflect changes, both increases and decreases, in anticipated flood levels. <br /> — STAFF COMMENT: Local communities do not maintain or develop FIRMs. <br /> — They are maintained and modified by FEMA. <br /> • Participating communities are required to adopt new maps once they are certified to <br /> continue to be eligible for participation. <br /> — STAFF COMMENT: if new maps are not adopted, a local community can no <br /> longer participate in the program meaning flood insurance will not be <br /> available. <br /> Why Are We Here: <br /> • FEMA has <br /> — Approved new FIRMs (i.e. flood maps). <br /> — Modified its model floodplain management ordinance establishing/updating <br /> definitions and regulatory components. <br /> Orange County is obligated to adopt the new maps and revise existing regulations to be <br /> consistent with FEMA rules and preserve membership with the NFIP. <br /> What is Being Proposed: <br /> • Adopt the new FIRM data, <br /> • Amend the Zoning Atlas to eliminate the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Overlay <br /> District <br /> — STAFF COMMENT: SFHA implemented in 2007 on advice from the County's <br /> Attorney office. <br /> — District incorporated floodplain data onto the Zoning Atlas. <br /> — Created confusion and unnecessary duplication of effort(s). <br /> • Update/revise existing regulations. <br /> — STAFF COMMENT: Amendments include: <br /> • Eliminate existing procedures allowing County to issue `waivers' allowing <br /> for solid waste facilities, hazardous waste management facilities, salvage <br /> yards, and chemical storage facilities to locate in flood areas, <br /> • Update existing standards to reference compliance with State law. <br /> • Update existing regulations and definitions consistent with FEMA <br /> recommendations. <br /> Impacts: <br /> • New flood maps/elevations will be enforced <br /> — STAFF COMMENT: There are areas of the County where the mapped floodplain <br /> is increasing, impacting more property than previously identified. <br />