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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: January 17, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Charles A. Montoya, City Manager;
Lynn Merrill, Interim Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Subject: Adoption of Ordinance No. MC-1622: Floodplain
Ordinance (FPO) (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Ordinance No. MC-1622: adopting a new Chapter 8.79 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code; adopting flood hazard maps; designating City Engineer as the floodplain administrator; and repealing Chapter 19.16 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code.
Executive Summary:
The goal and objective is to adopt the latest floodplain regulations per state and federal agencies in order for the City of San Bernardino (the “City”) to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and enables property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance in exchange for state and community floodplain management regulations to reduce exposure to flooding and lessen the financial burden during disaster events.
Background
The U.S. Congress established the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and enables property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance in exchange for state and community floodplain management regulations to reduce exposure to flooding and lessen the financial burden during future disaster events. Jurisdictions such as the City may participate in the NFIP subject to certain ongoing federal and state requirements. The NFIP is based on a mutual agreement between the Federal Government and communities such as the City. Communities that participate agree to regulate development in mapped flood hazard areas according to certain criteria 1 7
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and standards as stated above. In order to remain enrolled in the NFIP, the City needs to continuously update its Floodplain Ordinance to reflect new regulations.
On October 18, 2023, the Mayor and City Council was presented with the Introduction of Ordinance No. MC-1622: adopting a new Chapter 8.79 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code; adopting flood hazard maps; designating a floodplain administrator; and repealing Chapter 19.16 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code.
Discussion
Ordinance No. MC-1622 adopts a new Chapter 8.79 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code; adopts flood hazard maps; designates the City Engineer as the floodplain administrator; and repeals Chapter 19.16 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code.
On October 18, 2023, ordinance No. MC-1622 was introduced, read by title only, and had further reading waived by the Mayor and City Council. The Ordinance is now being returned to the Mayor and City Council for adoption. The Ordinance will become effective 30 days from the date of adoption.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
Adoption of this Ordinance aligns with the City’s Guiding Principles, as set forth in the 2020-2025 “Key Strategic Targets and Goals” document. In particular, the Ordinance furthers:
•Key Target No. 1: Improved Financial & Operational Capacity. This action will help enable property owners to purchase federally backed flood insurance to provide financial protection against flood losses, reduce potential hazards, and minimize the risks associated with flooding.
•Key Target No. 3: Improved Quality of Life. Specifically, updating the Flood Plain Overlay zone as reflected in Chapter 19.16 of the City’s Municipal Code will help the City maintain its enrollment in the NFIP, which will in turn help protect public health, safety, and general welfare by ensuring the City remains up to date with applicable federal and state floodplain laws and regulations.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the City‘s General Fund as a result of this action.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California adopt Ordinance No. MC-1622: adopting a new Chapter 8.79 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code; adopting flood hazard maps; designating City 1 7
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Engineer as the floodplain administrator; and repealing Chapter 19.16 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Ordinance No. MC-1622
Attachment 2 - Presentation PowerPoint
Ward:
All Wards
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
October 18, 2023 The Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, introduce, read by title, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. MC-1622: adopting a new Chapter 8.79 of the City of San Bernardino municipal code; adopting flood hazard maps; designating a floodplain administrator; and repealing Chapter 19.16 of the City of San Bernardino
municipal code.