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Form Revised 09-29-16 The County’s original FIRMs became effective on March 16, 1981, with the last update being completed on February 2, 2007. After a 3 year process, the County was informed in late June of 2017, new FIRM maps have been certified by the Federal government and are required to be adopted by local communities no later than November 17, 2017. Based on advice received from the County’s Attorney in 2007, staff incorporated FIRM data onto the County Zoning Atlas creating the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) overlay district. At the time staff expressed concerned over the fluid nature of FIRM data, which can be modified through the completion of an engineering study reviewed at the State and Federal level. While Planning staff is somewhat involved in this process, the timeline for review and action is dictated by others. Changes resulting from this review require re-adoption of flood mapping data at the local level, translating to the holding of a public hearing to amend the boundary of the SFHA overlay district. In consultation with current representatives of the County Attorney’s office, it has been determined it would be prudent to eliminate the SFHA overlay district and adopt the FIRM maps by reference in the UDO. As there are changes in flood mapping data, staff would still be required complete a UDO text amendment incorporating the new FIRM maps but would not have to complete an atlas amendment. It should be noted this is how the majority of surrounding communities handle references/changes to FIRM data. Please note as part of our 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 our 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 3. 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. Copies of the pending flood map data are available at the County Planning office or by visiting the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (FRIS) webpage at: http://fris.nc.gov/fris/Home.aspx?ST=NC. 3. Comprehensive Plan Linkage (i.e. Principles, Goals and Objectives) Chapter 2 Planning Principles of the Comprehensive Plan: • Principle 2 – Sustainable Growth and Development: Growth and development within the county should occur in a pattern, location, and density that is sustainable over the long-term. Chapter 5 Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan: • Land Use Goal 1 – Fiscally and environmentally responsible, sustainable growth consistent with the provision of adequate services and facilities and a 23