HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-12-04 Meeting Memo 4811 Dusharme Drive
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission Members
FROM: Ronald A. Warren, Planning Commission Secretary
DATE: August 12, 2004
SUBJECT: Flood Plain Ordinance Amendments
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), are requiring that all communities adopt flood plain management measures
that satisfy the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The primary reason for such a mandate is that updated flood plain maps and a new flood insurance study
for Hennepin County have been completed and must be incorporated into our Flood Plain Management Ordinance. Some additional mandatory language relating to flood plain management is
also required to be adopted.
These flood plain ordinance changes are required by FEMA to be effective by September 2, 2004, the effective date of the new flood plain maps and study.
Other than the adoption of the new maps and the study, the changes to the ordinance do not seem substantive. The changes seem merely to be housekeeping matters along with clarifying
definitions. Nevertheless, they must be effective by September 2, 2004, or the City risks suspension from the National Flood Insurance Program on that date.
Our ordinance adoption process will take us beyond that September 2 date. Therefore, we, as well as many other cities in the county, face two options. Either let the program be suspended
or adopt a short term moratorium on development in the city’s special flood hazard areas until the mandatory revisions become effective. If the latter option is chosen, persons will
still be eligible for flood insurance during that time.
If the ordinance amendment follows a normal course, it will be on the City Council agenda for first reading on August 23. Second reading, public hearing and adoption would be scheduled
for September 13, 2004. The effective date of the ordinance, if adopted, is 30 days following its publication (September 23, 2004), or October 23, 2004.