Flood Ordinance
Revisions
Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-003
August 2, 2022
Request
Zoning TextAmendment No. 22-003
• To amend Chapter 222 (Floodplain Overlay District)
of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance to bring it into compliance with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
requirements
Request
• Revisions include requiring the following to be
elevated one foot above the base flood elevation*:
− mechanical equipments
− manufactured homes
− structures in the VE flood zones (along the
coastline)
*base flood elevation – elevation of surface water resulting from a 100-year flood Background
• City participates in the National Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) since 1983
• FEMA audits the City’s floodplain management
program
− every 3 to 5 years
− most recent audit: February 2022
− outcome: revise flood ordinance to comply with
current FEMA requirements
Analysis
• Current Standing: Class 7 in NFIP Community Rating
System
− properties within the flood zone qualify for a 15%
discount on flood insurance premiums for NFIP policies
• ZTA: revise HBZSO Chapter 222 to comply with current
FEMA requirements
• Non-compliance with FEMA requirements will change the City’s standing
• New Standing: Class 9 in NFIP Community Rating System − properties within flood zone qualify for a 5% discount on flood insurance premiums for NFIP policies
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of ZTA:
• Consistent with the general land uses and policy of
the General Plan
• Bring the City’s flood ordinance into compliance
with the current FEMA requirements to increase
flood protection and minimize loss