CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JESSE OSWALD, CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTSUBJECT: CITY CODE CHAPTER 18-52 FLOOD DAMAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENTS AND RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED ORDINANCE AGENDA ACTION: ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION AND RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Planning and Economic Development Department that the Council: 1) introduce an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 18-52, Flood Damage Protection, to comply with regulatory requirements that our ordinance coincide with 44 Code of Federal Regulations 60.3; and 2) adopt a resolution setting a public hearing on July 12, 2022, for adoption of the Ordinance.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed ordinance amends sections of the City Code as required to maintain compliance with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum regulatory standards set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations and to enable the City to continue participating in the NFIP and ensure continued compliance with the California Department of Water Resources requirements embedded in California Building Standards Code (CCR Title 24). 44 Code of Federal Regulations 60.3 requires that local jurisdictions administer minimum requirements when development is proposed and constructed in flood-prone areas. The action supports the Council goal of ensuring a healthy and safe community by protecting development in flood prone areas.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recently completed a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for areas within Sonoma County and primarily outside Santa Rosa. The study was focused on Todd Creek and its tributary areas and updated hydrologic and hydraulic models to calculate inundation extents due to a 100- year flood event.
The updated flood hazard maps triggered a review by FEMA of our local Flood Damage Protection Ordinance to ensure it maintains consistency with Federal and State regulations for development and construction within identified flood hazard areas. Communities not in compliance with these regulations will be notified of their nonparticipation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable.
ANALYSIS
FEMA identified the City of Santa Rosa as a community with proposed, updated flood hazard maps which are set to be approved by FEMA July 19, 2022. The updated flood hazard maps require consistency between local ordinances and Federal and State regulations. The proposed City Code revisions as set forth in the amended ordinance will ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program and will provide continued insurance coverate to property owners. The proposed amendments will also provide minimum provisions for procedures and physical measures for any new development within flood hazard areas.
Proposed Code amendments were identified by FEMA and their contract consultant as required to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Amendments include the addition of definitions, technical requirements for development within flood hazard areas and modifying language to coincide with language changes in 44 Code of Federal Regulations 60.3 .
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed action is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and 15378 in that there is no possibility that the implementation of this action may have significant effects on the environment, and implementation of this Ordinance is required to comply with state law. Therefore, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Red-lined Ordinance
Attachment 2 – Resolution
Ordinance
CONTACT
Jesse Oswald, Chief Building Official, [email protected], (707) 543-3249 CITY CODE CHAPTER 18-52 FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION AMENDMENTS AND RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED ORDINANCE PAGE 3 OF 3
Agenda Item #14.5
For Council Meeting of: June 07, 2022